Lakers Reporter Reveals Rob Pelinka & JJ Redick’s Impact on Jake LaRavia’s Sudden Change

His confidence shows not just in his shooting, but in how he moves. He’s cutting sharper, reading rotations quicker, and sliding into open pockets of space that make life easier for Reaves. Together, they’ve become one of the Lakers’ most quietly effective duos, with Reaves breaking down defenses, LaRavia capitalizing from deep. In an offense that thrives on rhythm, the two are starting to sing.

It also says something about Redick’s influence as head coach. Encouraging LaRavia to trust his instincts instead of overthinking was exactly the push he needed. It’s a page straight out of Redick’s own playing career. And Pelinka’s belief in LaRavia’s fit looks smarter by the game. A two-year, $12 million deal is starting to look like a steal.

Off the court, LaRavia’s growing popularity has taken on a life of its own.

How Jake LaVaria is “being himself”

From Jenna Barber’s cheeky Instagram story tagging his wife after the Minnesota game to fans rallying around his story, the buzz feels like it’s building. The narrative’s shifted from “Who is Jake LaRavia?” to “How good can this guy be?”

Defensively, he’s held his ground too. At 6’8”, he’s using his frame better as he is closing out faster and rebounding with more presence. The next step, though? Sustaining it.

The Lakers need this version of LaRavia if they want to stay competitive in the West’s marathon of talent. With every game, he looks more confident and more like a player who could earn a long-term home in purple and gold.

And for a guy who’s been doubted and even laughed off by opponents, that’s the kind of script that only Hollywood could write.