Jake LaRavia has been a meaningful addition to the Los Angeles Lakers as he plays an important role as a versatile swingman off the bench.
While the Lakers have struggled to defend this season, LaRavia competes hard on that end and can give smaller players problems with his size and effort. Offensively, LaRavia is a solid catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter who can also put the basketball on the floor and get the defense scrambling.
What makes LaRavia so valuable is he can impact a game without having to dominate touches. For example, in the win against the Philadelphia 76ers the young forward only posted four points and two rebounds but still found ways to contribute.
LaRavia took a shot to the face in the game against Philadelphia, knocking a tooth loose. LaRavia revealed he underwent a root canal to fix his tooth but isn’t expected to miss time, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
Jake LaRavia had a root canal to fix his front tooth after it was jarred loose against Philadelphia last weekend.
The biggest adjustment so far, other than wearing a mouthguard during games?
“No bites of apples … I love apples. I’m a big apple guy” pic.twitter.com/cHlbXQcMO3
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 12, 2025
LaRavia posted a photo of his tooth following the win against the 76ers, showing the damage he took after getting hit in the face. It’s a common occurrence for players to take shots to the face, and unfortunately it prompted a dental visit for LaRavia.
The good news is that LaRavia should be good to go for Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles struggled mightily the last time they saw the Suns and they could struggle even more as they’ll be without Austin Reaves, who will be re-evaluated in a week with a calf strain.
Without Reaves to handle the ball and create shots, it will be up to the role guys including LaRavia to step up and score when needed. Luka Doncic and LeBron James will obviously handle the bulk of the offensive responsibilities, but teams will surely throw more defensive attention their way so long as Reaves is out.
Jake LaRavia wins Lakers pickleball tournament
Jake LaRavia isn’t just making a name for himself with the Lakers, he’s also doing well for himself in team activities. Recently, the organization held a pickleball tournament and LaRavia came away with the championship belt.
Aside from the win, though, it looked like the team was having fun which is a good sign during the regular season.
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