Lakers Newcomer Predicted to Shine Alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers had a busy offseason, surrounding LeBron James and Luka Doncic with players who fit their playing style. One of the free agents the Lakers signed this summer was Jake LaRavia, who will be entering his fourth season in the NBA.
According to Michael Shearer of HoopsHype, LaRavia could be one of seven breakout candidates next season. The 23-year-old forward joined other young players such as Brandon Miller, Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, among others.
Shearer liked LaRavia’s fit with James and Doncic, who have a history of making players better offensively. However, he cautioned the Wake Forest product to adjust his game defensively and increase his 3-point shot volume in his first season in Los Angeles.
“LaRavia will have to adjust his game some. He’ll need to step up defensively and be more willing to launch catch-and-shoot threes. If he does, he could become the next in a long line of role players who have career years playing next to James and Doncic,” Shearer wrote on September 5.
The 6-foot-8 forward signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Lakers. He spent his first two and a half seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before getting shipped to the Sacramento Kings.
It was part of the three-team deal with the Washington Wizards at the February trade deadline. He has career averages of 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 37.1% from threes.
Los Angeles Lakers Signed Jake LaRavia To Replace Dorian Finney-Smith
The Los Angeles Lakers failed to bring back Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency after he signed with the Houston Rockets. Michael Shearer thought that Jake LaRavia was brought in to replace Finney-Smith’s minutes and production. He might not be a better defender, but he’s a better passer and likes to move without the ball.
“LaRavia shot 42 percent from deep last season and posted career-best passing, rebounding, and defensive numbers on a per-possession basis. LaRavia should provide more ball-handling and secondary playmaking potential than the man he’s replacing, Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s usually a hiding spot for an opponent’s worst defender, but LaRavia is 6-foot-8. He’s capable of bullying if he has a size mismatch, and he’s a crafty off-ball mover,” Shearer wrote.
Dalton Knecht was the backup small forward last season. Knecht had a solid rookie campaign, but he fell off coach JJ Redick’s rotation starting from mid-March until the end of the regular season.
Los Angeles Lakers made an important decision this offseason
After LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option toward the end of June, the Los Angeles Lakers cemented their future. The Lakers signed Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension.
Doncic wanted an athletic center since joining the purple and gold franchise in February, and the Lakers finally got one by signing Deandre Ayton in free agency. They also added key role players who fit in with James and Doncic like Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart.
There were trade rumors surrounding James this offseason, but Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul quickly squashed the speculations on The Tylil Show at the end of July by pointing to his client’s no-trade clause.
NFL’s Proposed Suspension for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Revealed
The NFL has proposed a significant suspension for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, sending shockwaves through the league. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a clear message to all players: the NFL is serious about its standards and won’t tolerate behavior that undermines the integrity of the game.
The situation surrounding Rice has raised questions about the league’s disciplinary approach, but insiders are emphasizing that this suspension is more than just a punishment. "They aren’t messing around with this one. The suspension is more than just a penalty—it’s a warning to all players," said an NFL insider, shedding light on the severity of the situation.
For Rice, who has been a rising star with the Chiefs, this suspension could not come at a worse time. After an impressive start to his career, the 2023 season was expected to be a breakout year for him. However, this suspension casts a dark cloud over his potential and could affect his role with the team moving forward.
While many might see this as an isolated case, the league’s action sends a broader message to players across the NFL. It’s a reminder that, no matter your talent or status, there are expectations both on and off the field. "It’s a tough situation, but the NFL wants to maintain its integrity. Rice will need to prove he’s learned from this," the insider continued, emphasizing the personal and professional stakes for Rice.
This suspension comes as the NFL continues to crack down on player conduct, signaling that the league won’t hesitate to hold even its most promising talents accountable for their actions. The implications of Rice’s suspension could go beyond just one player—it sets a precedent for how the NFL plans to handle similar situations moving forward.
For the Chiefs, losing a player of Rice’s caliber is a blow, especially given the high expectations for the team this season. But it also puts the spotlight on the organization’s ability to navigate these types of challenges, ensuring that the team stays on track despite off-field distractions.
As the NFL prepares for the season, all eyes will be on how the league handles its disciplinary actions, especially when it comes to players who show promise but falter in their personal conduct. The suspension of Rashee Rice is a critical moment for the league, but it also serves as a wake-up call for all players: the NFL is setting a higher bar, and there will be consequences for crossing the line.
