Lakers desperately need Jake LaRavia to answer one burning question to contend

The Los Angeles Lakers don’t just need production from Jake LaRavia — they need clarity. With championship aspirations firmly in place, the front office and coaching staff must know whether LaRavia can be the dependable, high-impact wing they envisioned when they signed him in the offseason.

The talent is there. The question is whether it can show up consistently when it matters most.

Flashes of something bigger

At times this season, LaRavia has hinted at a much higher ceiling. On Friday night, against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, he delivered the clearest example yet of what that version looks like.

LaRavia poured in 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished three assists, added two steals and one block in 37 minutes. He saved his biggest moment for last, drilling a clutch three-pointer late to help seal the 128–121 victory.

That version of LaRavia changes the Lakers’ ceiling.

If Los Angeles is serious about contending, it can’t afford the disappearing act. The Lakers don’t need occasional bursts — they need the energetic, versatile, do-everything LaRavia on a nightly basis.

More than box score numbers

As a starter this season, LaRavia is averaging 11.5 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists, but the impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.

With Rui Hachimura sidelined by a calf injury, LaRavia has injected movement, effort and versatility into a lineup that often lacks all three. He cuts decisively, sets physical screens, attacks the glass and defends multiple positions — all while creating space and opportunities for Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Even when his shot isn’t falling, LaRavia finds ways to matter, particularly in late-game situations where execution and effort decide outcomes.

Why the Lakers should not move him

The Lakers have reportedly explored the market for a 3-and-D wing, but LaRavia should not be part of that conversation.

At just 24 years old, in his fourth NBA season, with only 168 career games played, his development curve is still pointing upward. He has already shown flashes of confident, two-way play that teams usually spend years trying to find.

If Los Angeles needs to make a move, Rui Hachimura may make more sense as a trade chip. Hachimura is having an excellent season — shooting 44.5% from three-point range — but his skill set doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the current starting group. Dalton Knecht is another name that could surface in trade discussions.

LaRavia, however, offers something different: connective tissue. When he’s on the floor and locked in, the Lakers feel faster, tougher and more cohesive.

The question that defines the season

Friday night was a reminder of why Jake LaRavia matters. When he plays with confidence and force, the Lakers look like a team capable of closing games against elite opponents.

Now comes the real test.

Can he sustain that level of impact consistently? If the answer is yes, LaRavia isn’t just a rotation player — he becomes a legitimate reason the Lakers can compete for an NBA championship.