Lakers Sign LaRavia, Pursue Deandre Ayton

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed 23-year-old Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract using part of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception, filling the gap left by Dorian Finney-Smith's departure to the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $53 million deal. LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season, shooting 42.3% from three-point range while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. Although he is not known for his defense like Finney-Smith, LaRavia brings valuable shooting and energy off the bench. The Lakers are still seeking a starting center and are rumored to be interested in free agent Deandre Ayton after missing out on Brook Lopez and Clint Capela. LaRavia has expressed enthusiasm for joining the Lakers and hopes for an expanded role. These moves are part of the Lakers' broader strategy to retool around LeBron James and remain competitive in the Western Conference.