After a slow start, the Los Angeles Lakers’ summer signing is finally growing into his role and showing his true potential.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost or lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road, but were able to win or lose one more game without Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
The Lakers continued to rely on Austin Reeves, who had 28 points, as the team’s primary option. Deandre Ayton continued to improve, posting a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Even Dalton Knecht turned things around by scoring 15 points off the bench. It was a strong team performance from the Lakers.
But one summer, the player who joined the Lakers after they lost Dorian Finney-Smith had the Lakers’ best performance, even surpassing Finney-Smith’s scoring record with the Lakers.
Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jake LaRavia had the best game of his young Los Angeles Lakers career, scoring 27 points with incredible efficiency.
LaRavia made 10 of 11 from the field and 5 of 6 from 3-point range. In just five games, LaRavia has already scored more points in a single game than Dorian Finney-Smith in his Lakers career.
It wasn’t just his score that was crucial. LaRabia was also great defensively, grabbing seven rebounds, recording a steal and a block.
Prior to this game, LaRabia had struggled, going 4-16 from the field in his last two games as a starter for the Lakers.
LaRavia has proven to be an excellent successor to Finney-Smith. And it is even conceivable that he will be upgraded as his confidence grows.
Jake LaRavia was the LA Lakers’ leading scorer that night. But that’s not to say he was their only strong performer that night.
Austin Reeves took 16 dimes to set up his teammates, nearly matched a career-high in assists, tied a career-best, and shot the ball well.
Dalton Knecht was able to turn things around, scoring 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting off the bench.
Considering how understaffed the Los Angeles Lakers were, seeing role players step up and contribute to wins is an encouraging sign when Luka Doncic and LeBron James return.