The Clippers were a real contender for the Lakers to receive $12 million in free agency

Jake Laravia, who makes $12 million on his current contract, has become part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular rotation. But before he signed with the Lakers, the team’s cross-city rival Los Angeles Clippers were also vying for his signature this offseason.

According to Lakers reporter Trevor Lynn, the Clippers were a “genuine” contender for Laravia during the offseason, before the Lakers snatched him up.

Laravia appeared in 31 games and started 10 of them with the Lakers. He’s averaging 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting 30.9 percent from the three-point line on three-point attempts per game.

LaRavia is known for his perimeter defense, posting a career-high 1.3 steals per game this season as well as 0.5 blocks.

He signed a two-year contract with the Lakers last season after stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings last season. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 19th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

In the Lakers’ most recent win over the Grizzlies on Jan. 2, Laravia had 21 points and nine rebounds in 37 minutes of action to impress in the team’s first game of the new year.

The Lakers currently occupy fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 21 wins to 11.

Jake Laravia gets candid about the big night against the Grizzlies

Jake Laravia’s incredible performance against the Memphis Grizzlies has fans thrilled. After the match, he explained how he got into that rhythm and how he hopes to be more consistent moving forward.

He said, “Tonight I took the lead very early. The ball found me, especially in the first half. I was able to advance and remain aggressive.” “I just have to continue to trust my shots.

Laravia shot an efficient 8-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, a far cry from his struggles all season from deep.

“I’m just working on my shots and starting with the basics again. Hopefully I can get my rhythm back from this,” he said.

LaRavia is expected to have more offensive opportunities in the coming weeks as Lakers’ starting shooting guard Austin Reaves remains out with an injury.