Overview
- Starting in place of injured wings Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, LaRavia posted 21 points and nine rebounds in a 128-121 win over the Grizzlies.
- He went 3-of-6 from deep after entering the game around 31% from three on the season and roughly 22% over his previous 10, crediting fundamentals work with assistant coach Beau Levesque.
- LaRavia and Marcus Smart, former teammates in Memphis, have provided defensive edge for the first unit and currently lead the Lakers in deflections at about 3.1 per game.
- Coach JJ Redick praised LaRavia’s “effort offense” — cutting, crashing and running — while LaRavia emphasized embracing roles that range from connector to defensive disruptor.
- With Hachimura nearing a return and Reaves still sidelined, LaRavia has a short-term chance to translate this breakout into steadier rotation status.