Jake LaRavia: Biography, Stats, Salary, and Career Facts (2025)

There’s a certain thrill in watching a first-round pick find his footing after a couple of team changes. Jake LaRavia entered the NBA as the 19th overall selection in the 2022 draft, and after stops in Memphis and Sacramento, he now suits up for the Los Angeles Lakers. This profile breaks down his journey, physical stats, contract, and what you need to know about the 23-year-old forward.

Team: Los Angeles Lakers ·
Position: Power Forward / Small Forward ·
Height: 6’7″ (201 cm) ·
Weight: 235 lb (106 kg) ·
Age: 23 (born November 3, 2001) ·
Draft: 19th overall in 2022 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

A quick reference table sums up the critical numbers every fan should know.

What is Jake LaRavia known for?

Early career at Wake Forest

• LaRavia played two seasons at Wake Forest (2020–2022) after transferring from Indiana State (Wikipedia).
• In his final season, he averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game (Wake Forest Athletics).
• He earned All-ACC second-team honors for 2021–22 (Wake Forest Athletics).

NBA Draft and professional career

• The Minnesota Timberwolves selected LaRavia with the 19th pick of the 2022 NBA draft, then traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night (Basketball Reference).
• He spent parts of three seasons with Memphis before being traded to the Sacramento Kings at the 2024–25 trade deadline (ESPN).
• In July 2025 he signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN).

Playing style and strengths

• ESPN describes LaRavia as a 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward with defensive and playmaking strengths (ESPN).
• He shot 38.1% from three-point range across his college career (Sports Reference).

The implication: his journey from college standout to NBA journeyman highlights the unpredictability of a young player’s career path.

What is Jake LaRavia’s salary?

Current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers

In June 2025, the Lakers agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with LaRavia, according to ESPN (sports news outlet). The deal was officially signed on July 6, 2025 (Wikipedia).

Salary cap hit and contract length

Spotrac lists LaRavia’s 2025-26 salary at approximately $4.5 million (Spotrac). His rookie-scale contract with Memphis reportedly totaled $14.76 million over four years (SalarySwish).

The implication: the Lakers are paying LaRavia a fair market rate for a young forward with defensive potential, locking him up through age 27.

Was Jake LaRavia drafted?

Draft process and selection

Yes — LaRavia was drafted 19th overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA.com). He was the fifth pick of the first round.

Immediate trade to Memphis Grizzlies

On draft night, the Timberwolves traded LaRavia to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal involving multiple picks (Wikipedia). He played 94 games in Memphis over two-plus seasons before being traded again in 2025.

The pattern: early trades can derail or reshape a player’s trajectory.

What are Jake LaRavia’s physical measurements and college background?

Height, weight, and position

NBA.com lists LaRavia at 6’7″ and 235 pounds, playing both forward positions (NBA.com). Wake Forest’s roster lists him at 6-8 and 235 pounds, a slight variation that likely reflects different measurement methods (Wake Forest Athletics).

College career at Wake Forest

LaRavia played for the Demon Deacons from 2020 to 2022. His final season featured 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game (Wake Forest Athletics). He shot 55.9% from the field and 38.4% from three.

Age and birth details

Born November 3, 2001, in Pasadena, California (NBA.com). He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana (Wake Forest Athletics).

What this means: his physical profile and college production made him a first-round pick despite multiple team changes.

What is Jake LaRavia’s personal life and off-court details?

Marital status and wife

Instagram bio indicates LaRavia is engaged, with a wedding date set for September 27, 2025. His handle is @jakelaravia and he has over 219K followers.

Ethnicity and background

LaRavia is White (American). He is a Christian; his Instagram bio references Proverbs 14:23.

Social media presence

Active on Instagram, LaRavia posts training clips, game highlights, and personal updates.

The catch: personal details like engagement and faith add a human dimension that fans appreciate.

Timeline: Jake LaRavia’s career path

• November 3, 2001 – Born in Pasadena, California (NBA.com).
• 2020–2022 – Played college basketball at Wake Forest (Wake Forest Athletics).
• June 23, 2022 – Selected 19th overall by Minnesota Timberwolves; traded to Memphis Grizzlies (Wikipedia).
• 2022–2025 – Played for Memphis Grizzlies on rookie contract (Basketball Reference).
• February 2025 – Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers via Sacramento Kings (ESPN).
• Current – Plays for the Los Angeles Lakers as a forward (NBA.com).

The pattern: rapid team changes without long-term stability.

Clarity vs. uncertainty

The takeaway: most career details are verified, but some contract and injury specifics remain unclear.

Quotes from and about Jake LaRavia

“Audience of One Proverbs 14:23”

Jake LaRavia, Instagram bio

“LaRavia averaged 8.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 12 games in March for Sacramento before the Lakers deal.”

ESPN (sports news outlet)

For the Lakers, the choice is clear: invest in LaRavia’s development while his contract remains below market rate, or risk losing a versatile forward who has already shown he can produce when given minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Overall, these answers provide a quick reference for fans seeking concise information.