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Jake LaRavia's role with the Los Angeles Lakers diminished last season as he struggled on the court. When the NBA playoffs began, his performance dipped even further.
In 14.3 minutes per game during the postseason, the young forward managed just 3.3 points and 2.1 rebounds, while shooting 33.3% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. His struggles were so pronounced that rumors surfaced about a possible trade during the offseason.
Fortunately for the 24-year-old, he has another opportunity to prove himself in a contract year, and he has already made a strong impression in the preseason. After scoring 17 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, LaRavia discussed his shooting woes and the steps he has taken to correct them.
"I think a lot of it was mental," LaRavia said. "Also, just tweaking a couple things to make the shot a little bit more consistent. Obviously, like I put my shot more to the right side of my body now, to just make it a little bit more linear. But a lot of it was really mental. And again, this past summer really helped with that."
LaRavia has been one of the Lakers' most impressive players through the first three preseason games. He has elevated his play on both ends of the floor and drawn praise from head coach JJ Redick on multiple occasions.
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The Wake Forest product's defensive effort has never been questioned, but when his shooting faltered, he became a liability. Now, he appears to have turned things around, making the necessary adjustments to once again be a threat from beyond the arc.
In three preseason contests, LaRavia is averaging 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field and 54.5% from three-point range. If he can sustain that level of offensive production while remaining a defensive force, Redick will face tough decisions regarding minutes distribution among his wing players.
The Lakers boast a talented group of wings this season, including LaRavia, Cameron Carr, Matisse Thybulle, Adou Thiero, and Ziaire Williams, all of whom have shown the ability to impact the game on both ends. It's a good problem to have, and it will be intriguing to see how the rotation shapes up when the regular season tips off on Oct. 21 against the visiting Golden State Warriors.