Jake LaRavia: Stats, Height, Age, Contract, Ethnicity & Trade History

Jake LaRavia’s rise in the NBA has been impressive. From a promising college player to a solid rotational forward in the league, he’s catching attention for his versatility and potential. Below, we break down his biography, playing stats, physical profile, contracts, and trade journey — giving you a comprehensive picture of who Jake LaRavia is in 2025.

Early Life and Background

Jacob Glen “Jake” LaRavia was born on November 3, 2001, in Pasadena, California. When he was about five years old, his family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Lawrence Central High School, where he played high school basketball.

In his senior year, LaRavia began to make a real mark: he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, leading his team to its first sectional title since 2012. His high school performance earned him Indiana All-Star honors.

College Career

Indiana State (2019–2021)

LaRavia committed to Indiana State University, where he played two seasons.

• As a freshman, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

• He was recognized on both the MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) All-Newcomer Team and All-Freshman Team.

• In his sophomore season, he stepped up to average 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, earning Second-Team All-MVC honors.

After two seasons, LaRavia decided to transfer.

Wake Forest (2021–2022)

He moved to Wake Forest University for his junior year. There, he had a standout season:

• Averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

• On January 22, 2022, he scored a career-high 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in a big win over North Carolina.

• For his performance, he was named to the All-ACC Second Team.

After that year, he declared for the NBA Draft and opted to forgo his remaining college eligibility.

Physical Profile: Height, Weight, Ethnicity

• Height: LaRavia stands at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m).

• Weight: He weighs around 235 lbs (about 106–107 kg).

• Ethnicity / Nationality: He is American, born in California and raised in Indiana.

While publicly available sources do not deeply delve into his full ethnic ancestry, he is widely identified as a U.S.-born player of non-specific but American heritage.

Professional Career & Trade History

NBA Draft and Early Career

Jake LaRavia entered the 2022 NBA Draft and was selected with the 19th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves.  However, he did not stay with Minnesota: his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies soon after.

Memphis Grizzlies (2022–2025)

LaRavia began his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He also spent time with their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, during his early years.

• He made his NBA debut on October 19, 2022, contributing 5 points and 2 rebounds in an overtime win over the New York Knicks.

• Over the next seasons, he saw varied playing time between the Grizzlies’ main roster and their G-League team.

Trade to Sacramento Kings

On February 6, 2025, LaRavia was involved in a three-team trade:

• Memphis Grizzlies traded LaRavia to the Sacramento Kings.

• In return, the Grizzlies received Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and two second-round picks.

• The Washington Wizards were also part of that deal.

Signing with the Los Angeles Lakers

In July 2025, LaRavia signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

• This move brought him closer to his roots: he was born in California, and joining the Lakers meant playing in the same state where he was born.

NBA & College Stats: Performance Breakdown

NBA Career Stats

According to Basketball-Reference and ESPN:

• Games Played (Career): ~148 (as of the latest)

• Points per Game (Career): ~ 7.3 PPG

• Rebounds per Game: ~ 3.4 RPG

• Assists per Game: ~ 1.8 APG

• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): ~ 43.7%

• 3-Point Percentage (3P%): ~ 37.1%

• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): ~ 73.8%

Recent / Current (2025–26 Laker season)

• As per ESPN, in the current season he is averaging ~11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG with 50.5% FG and 36.6% 3P.

• According to NBA.com, similar numbers are reported: 10.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 APG.

College Stats

From his time in college:

Indiana State (two seasons):

• Freshman: 9.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG

• Sophomore: 12.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG

Wake Forest (one season):

• 14.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.7 APG

Contract Details

Here’s a detailed look at his contract situation:

• In July 2025, LaRavia signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal worth $12 million.

• This contract reflects a belief from the Lakers in his upside — his ability to stretch the floor, pass, and defend make him a valuable rotational forward.

Before this, he was under contract (or team control) with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his fourth-year team option was declined, making him a free agent in 2025.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jake LaRavia is known for being a versatile forward with several key traits:

1. 3-and-D Potential: He can shoot from three reasonably well and plays smart defense.

2. Playmaking Ability: He’s not just a finisher — his assist numbers show that he can facilitate.

3. Size + Physicality: At 6’7” and 235 lb, he has the frame to battle inside but also the mobility to play on the perimeter.

4. Basketball IQ: His reading of the game, decision-making, and maturity as a player make him appealing in rotation roles.

While he’s not yet a star, his trajectory suggests he could become a reliable role player or even a starter in time, depending on his development and opportunity.

Ethnicity & Personal Life

As mentioned earlier, LaRavia is American. There isn’t much public detail about deeper ancestral heritage; his public profile focuses more on his basketball journey than his family’s ethnic background.

In terms of family, he is the son of Jeff and Becky LaRavia. He grew up in Indianapolis, which shaped a significant part of his basketball ascent.

Trade Impact & Significance

The trade to Sacramento and his subsequent move to the Lakers carry some interesting implications:

• Sacramento Kings Trade (2025): The Grizzlies’ decision to trade LaRavia for Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and picks suggests they saw more value in that package and perhaps felt LaRavia was expendable or that his role would be limited long-term.

• Lakers Signing: For the Lakers, signing LaRavia adds a young, athletic forward who can stretch the floor, fill in as a secondary playmaker, and provide depth — especially valuable for a team managing its roster around star players and salary cap considerations.

Challenges & Areas for Improvement

While LaRavia has many positive traits, there are also challenges he needs to address to reach his full potential:

• Consistency in Shooting: While his three-point percentage is good, increasing his volume and reliability could make him more dangerous.

• Defense vs. Elite Talent: Against top-tier forwards or big wings, his defensive physicality and positioning will be tested.

• Free-Throw Shooting: His free-throw percentage is moderate; improving it can raise his efficiency, especially in late-game situations.

• Injury and Durability: As with any young NBA player, staying healthy and adapting to the physical demands of the league is key.

Why Jake LaRavia Matters for the Lakers

1. Youth + Upside: At a relatively young age with only a few seasons in the NBA, he has room to grow.

2. Fit alongside Stars: He’s not being signed as a star — but as a valuable rotational piece who can contribute in small-ball lineups, second units, or as a forward with playmaking duties.

3. Cost-Effective: A $12 million, two-year deal is a manageable contract for the Lakers, giving them flexibility without risking too much on a young player.

4. Long-Term Potential: If LaRavia improves his shooting and maintains his defensive versatility, he could be a core building block or an important trade asset for the Lakers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How tall is Jake LaRavia?
   Jake LaRavia is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) tall.

2. How old is Jake LaRavia?
   He was born on November 3, 2001, so as of 2025, he is 23 – 24 years old, depending on the date.

3. What is Jake LaRavia’s ethnicity?
   He is American. Publicly, his heritage is generally described as U.S.-born, but detailed ancestral ethnicity isn’t widely covered in public sources.

4. What are Jake LaRavia’s NBA stats?

   • Career: ~7.3 PPG, ~3.4 RPG, ~1.8 APG, 43.7% FG, 37.1% 3P.

   • In his current or recent stint (with Laker): ~10–11 PPG, ~4.5 RPG, ~2.4–2.7 APG, with improved shooting percentages.

5. Which teams has Jake LaRavia played for?

   • Drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 (19th pick) but his rights were traded.

   • Played for the Memphis Grizzlies (including G League: Hustle).

   • Traded to Sacramento Kings in February 2025.

   • Signed by Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025.

6. What contract does Jake LaRavia have with the Lakers?
   He signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Lakers in July 2025.

7. What are Jake LaRavia’s strengths?

   • Versatile forward: can defend, pass, and shoot.

   • Good size and physicality.

   • High basketball IQ and playmaking ability.

8. What needs improvement for LaRavia?

   • Increase consistency and volume in 3-point shooting.

   • Improve free-throw percentage.

   • Develop further defensively against high-level forwards.

   • Maintain health and durability.

Conclusion

Jake LaRavia is an intriguing young talent in the NBA. With a solid foundation in college, he entered the league with promise and has delivered flashes of his potential. His size, playmaking, and defensive flexibility make him a valuable piece, especially for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers that can leverage his youth and upside. The two-year contract he signed gives him runway to improve and contribute, and if he continues developing, he could become a key rotational forward or even more.

By keeping an eye on his progress — scoring, shooting, and defensive impact — fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if LaRavia can make the leap to being more than a role player. Only time will tell how far he goes, but he’s definitely a “player to watch” in the coming seasons.