Jake LaRavia’s Lakers pride runs deeper than most

LOS ANGELES – Jake LaRavia walked into his postgame press conference on Friday night after the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 128-121, wearing a Lakers jacket designed by Jeff Hamilton.

It was an unexpected fashion choice from the Pasadena native, who grew up a Lakers fan and dreamed of one day playing for the Purple and Gold. Most NBA players don’t wear team-branded apparel while leaving the arena. They’re more likely to wear Dolce & Gabbana than Mitchell & Ness.

But representing the Lakers on and off the court means more to LaRavia than it does to most.

“It means something to wear Lakers across your chest,” LaRavia said. “I grew up a fan. My dad grew up a fan. We understand the impact that comes with playing for this team – the impact it has on fans who show up, support us, and cheer for us every game. I wear the Lakers with pride across my chest every night.”

LaRavia received the jacket as a gift from Hamilton, who also designed the iconic Lakers championship leather jackets worn by Kobe Bryant after Los Angeles won three straight titles from 2000 to 2002. Bryant was wearing a Hamilton jacket in the famous 2001 photo of him sitting in a shower stall with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in Philadelphia.

LaRavia was born five months after that photo was taken, but it’s an image he – and nearly every sports fan – recognizes. It has been recreated by everyone from Caitlin Clark to Jadakiss.

The seeds of championship moments are often planted months in advance, long before a trophy is hoisted. The Lakers aren’t where they want to be just yet. After opening the season 15-4, Los Angeles entered Friday’s game having lost four of its previous five. But the comeback win injected some much-needed life into a team searching for momentum.And LaRavia played a central role in that spark, finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and one block while flying around the court defensively.

“Obviously it started with Jake,” LeBron James said. “He was locked in from the beginning. He and Marcus [Smart] on both ends, taking the challenge of guarding Ja [Morant]. Rebounding, sharing the ball, scoring the ball, too. Those two set the tone for us. We needed it.”

Smart and LaRavia were teammates in Memphis, so Smart has seen this version of LaRavia before.

“Jake has the ability to stay consistent even when things don’t go his way,” Smart said. “He’s in the gym working. We trust his work. We knew a game like this was coming. To see it finally happen is big for him – but it’s big for us, too. We’re happy for him.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick inserted LaRavia into the starting lineup Friday with Rui Hachimura sidelined by a calf injury. Hachimura is expected back next week, but LaRavia’s energy could earn him more time alongside the first unit.

“I think he’s made a really concerted effort of late with what we call effort offense – cutting, crashing, running,” Redick said. “Beneficiary of that tonight. He hit a big three in the fourth. Smart hit one. Vando hit one. So getting those guys to make shots when there are two on the ball is huge for us.”

LaRavia entered Friday shooting a career-low 30.9% from three this season and 22% over his last 10 games after shooting 42.3% a year ago. He hit three of six from deep against the Grizzlies and pointed to the work he has put in with assistant coach Beau Levesque.

“Beau always says, ‘Control the input and the output will show for itself,’” LaRavia said. “So I’m working on my shot – starting with the basics again – trying to find my rhythm. Tonight was the start.”

The Lakers hope it’s not only the beginning of a turnaround for LaRavia, but for a team that could use more players who understand what the Purple and Gold truly represents.