Jake LaRavia is finally starting to play like he belongs in Hollywood. The Lakers forward has hit 60.0% from the field and 50% from three this season, and lately, he’s been scorching. Against Minnesota, he dropped 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting, then followed it with 15 points on 6-of-7 in the very next game against Miami in the first half. So what flipped the switch?

According to team reporter Mike Trudell, LaRavia said he spoke with both JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka, who gave him one simple message: “Be yourself a little more.” It worked. After looking hesitant early on, the 24-year-old is letting it fly and finally showing why the Lakers wanted him. His growing comfort beside Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton has given the team a needed offensive spark.

And now? The Lakers might just have another reliable shooter on their hands. He ended the 120-130 Lakers’ win with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and played for 34 minutes and 35 seconds.

LaRavia’s restoration couldn’t have come at a better time. Los Angeles has been navigating stretches without LeBron James and Luka Doncic, relying heavily on their supporting cast to keep pace in the Western Conference.

And LaRavia, yes, the same LaRavia who was once asked, “Who is No. 12?” by Anthony Edwards, has been answering loudly on the box score ever since.

His confidence is evident not just in his shooting, but also in his movement. He’s cutting sharper, reading rotations quicker, and sliding into open pockets of space that make life easier for Reaves. The 3-man combo between LaRavia, Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt has bolstered a +16.2 differential in 64 minutes.

With proper spacing, shot making, and defined roles the Lakers, with LaRavia coming off the bench has been nothing short of dominant.

Together, they’ve become one of the Lakers’ most quietly effective duos, with Reaves breaking down defenses and LaRavia capitalizing from deep, resulting in a net +8.2 differential as a duo. In an offense that thrives on rhythm, the two are starting to sing.

It also says something about Redick’s influence as head coach. Encouraging LaRavia to trust his instincts instead of overthinking was exactly the push he needed.

It’s a page straight out of Redick’s own playing career. And Pelinka’s belief in LaRavia’s fit looks smarter by the game. A two-year, $12 million deal is starting to look like a steal.

Off the court, LaRavia’s growing popularity has taken on a life of its own.

How Jake LaVaria is “being himself”

From Jenna Barber’s cheeky Instagram story tagging his wife after the Minnesota game to fans rallying around his story, the buzz feels like it’s building. The narrative’s shifted from “Who is Jake LaRavia?” to “How good can this guy be?”

Defensively, he’s held his ground too. At 6’8”, he’s using his frame better as he is closing out faster and rebounding with more presence. The next step, though? Sustaining it.

The Lakers ranked 29th in bench scoring last season, placing a burden on their starters. With LaRavia shooting with confidence and creating for teammates, he’s filling a vital playmaking and scoring void.

While Dalton Knecht is another promising bench scorer, LaRavia’s playmaking edge and poise in this role make him the better option for consistent offense generation among reserves.

And for a guy who’s been doubted and even laughed off by opponents, that’s the kind of script that only Hollywood could write.