Mar 3, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (33) shoots the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (8) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'He Has Significant Basketball Upside' – Los Angeles Lakers’ Rob Pelinka Raves About Their New Free Agent Signing

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers had Jake LaRavia as their first free-agent signing this offseason after agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract , and Rob Pelinka had nothing but praise for him.

In a press release from the team , the Los Angeles Lakers general manager expects LaRavia, a Pasadena, California native, to thrive with them because he is a perfect fit for head coach JJ Redick’s system.

“Jake is a high-IQ two-way player with ideal skills for a JJ Redick basketball system. He’s a disruptive defender who uses his size and physicality to create turnovers. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and has a knack for creating space for himself and his teammates,” Pelinka said about LaRavia.

Jul 22, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Miami Heat guard Josh Christopher (53) shoots the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) during the first half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

“Being just 23 years old, we think Jake has significant basketball upside, which will be honed nicely in our Lakers basketball development program,” he concluded.

Los Angeles Lakers named as one of the top free agent destinations for Bradley Beal

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly working on a buyout with Bradley Beal, and once Beal hits the open market, the 32-year-old could join the Los Angeles Lakers on a team-friendly deal.

Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (12) during the fourth quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“One week removed from the start of NBA free agency, most of the league is without cap space or the necessary exceptions it would take to give Beal that much money on a two-year contract,” The Athletic’s Fred Katz wrote.

“Various organizations Beal could consider can’t give him that much, either. According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers could find a way to offer Beal the biannual exception, worth $5.1 million in starting salary,” he added.