In a league dominated by household names, one rising star is turning heads and sparking conversations. Jake LaRavia, the Lakers' unassuming forward, has become the unexpected answer to Anthony Edwards' now-viral question: 'Who is No. 12?' But here's where it gets intriguing: LaRavia's journey to this moment is anything but ordinary, and his recent performances are challenging the notion that only marquee players can steal the spotlight.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers have shared some unforgettable matchups in recent years, often with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards at the center of the action. Even sidelined with a hamstring strain during their latest clash, Edwards managed to make waves from the bench. Meanwhile, the Lakers were missing their own big names—LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, and Gabe Vincent—forcing them to rely on a less familiar starting lineup. Enter Jake LaRavia, making his second consecutive start.
LaRavia's path to the Lakers is a tale of trades and tenacity. Drafted 19th by the Timberwolves in 2022, he was swiftly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night. His journey continued in February when he was part of a three-team deal that sent him to the Sacramento Kings. Finally, in July, he signed a two-year contract with the Lakers, setting the stage for his breakout moment.
On that fateful Wednesday, LaRavia erupted for 17 points in the third quarter, tying his career-high for a single quarter. Early in the fourth, he drained a crucial three-pointer to extend the Lakers' lead to 105-89, catching the attention of both Edwards and the Timberwolves fans. Audio from the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast captured a Wolves fan shouting, 'Who is No. 12?' Edwards, hands raised, echoed the sentiment: 'That's what I'm saying! I don't know!' LaRavia's performance didn't stop there; he finished the game with 27 points and eight rebounds, helping secure a 116-115 victory for the Lakers, sealed by Austin Reaves' game-winner. According to ESPN Research, LaRavia became the first Lakers player to score at least 25 points on 90% shooting since Pau Gasol in 2010.
But this story took a playful turn when LaRavia leaned into the viral moment. On Instagram, he posted a photo with Edwards' exchange as the caption, adding a shrug emoji—a move that perfectly captured his self-aware humor. And this is the part most people miss: LaRavia's humility and work ethic are as impressive as his on-court skills. 'I find that kind of stuff funny because I am not well known at this moment,' he said, reflecting on the 'Who's No. 12?' moment. 'So, I'm just head down, working hard—that's all I do... Shoutout Anthony Edwards for allowing that clip to go viral. Yeah, I think it's good, I think it's funny.'
LaRavia's breakout game wasn't a one-off. He followed it up with another stellar performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and recording four steals in a 130-120 win over the Miami Heat. But here's the controversial part: Is Jake LaRavia the next big thing, or just a flash in the pan? His journey from being traded multiple times to becoming a key player for the Lakers suggests resilience and potential. Yet, in a league where stardom is often fleeting, only time will tell if he can sustain this momentum.
What do you think? Is Jake LaRavia the real deal, or is his recent success just a momentary blip? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
