After signing a two-year contract, Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia is starting a new chapter with his team. The 23-year-old is seen as a potential breakout player for the upcoming season. At the same time, he recently began an exciting new chapter in his personal life, marrying his longtime girlfriend Taja McLean in a late September ceremony. The couple officially announced their engagement in April 2025 with a social media post.

LaRavia shared the happy news on Instagram with photos from the proposal. The caption read, “Thank You God, Where Our Story Began Another Chapter Continues💍 Mr And Mrs LaRavia Loading…”. The post showed him on one knee and a close-up of the diamond engagement ring on Taja’s hand. The announcement drew congratulations from NBA peers like Desmond Bane, reacting with “Congrats gangsta!” and Jaren Jackson Jr. commenting “congrats !”. As he joins the Lakers, fans are curious about the woman in his life.

Who Is Taja McLean?

Taja McLean is a highly qualified mental health professional focusing on helping children and families. She holds an Eastern University Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her credentials include being a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. She is dedicated to supporting young people through challenges like anxiety and depression.

She runs her own practice called Heart of Gold Counseling. Her approach often combines traditional therapy with creative arts to help her clients. Her academic background includes a master’s degree in School Counseling and a bachelor’s in Psychology. She is a certified school counselor as well.

Beyond her clinical work, Taja has a strong business sense. She previously served as Co-President of the Ivey Sales Club at Western University’s Ivey Business School. This role involved creating opportunities for students interested in sales and marketing careers.

How Did Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean Meet?

Their story began in 2022 during Jake’s NBA pre-draft process. By chance, they were on the same flight to Toronto, where Jake had a workout with the Raptors. They did not speak to each other during the journey. Their first interaction happened the very next day on a city street.

Taja recognized Jake from the flight and approached him. LaRavia recalled her saying, “Oh, you were on my flight.” She was participating in a work scavenger hunt and needed a picture with him for the activity. She had noticed his name on his travel bag, which helped her identify him.

After the photo, Taja messaged Jake later that same evening. That initial contact sparked a connection that grew into a relationship. They have been together ever since that fateful encounter in Toronto.

When Did Jake LaRavia Get Engaged?

Jake LaRavia proposed to Taja McLean in April of 2025. He made the announcement public through a series of heartfelt photos on Instagram. The images documented the special moment, from him getting down on one knee to the couple embracing afterward.

The news was met with immediate excitement from the basketball community. Former Memphis Grizzlies teammate Desmond Bane commented, “Congrats gangsta.” Teammate Mason Jones enthusiastically wrote, “Hey now JAKEFARM !!!! YESSIR !!” Other well-wishers included Jaren Jackson Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr.

LaRavia himself confirmed that getting engaged was a top personal priority. During an offseason interview, he stated it was “the first on my to-do list this offseason.” This highlighted how important this step was for him alongside his professional goals.

Do Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean Have Children?

There are no public reports or indications that Jake and Taja have children. The couple just recently got married in late September 2025. Their focus appears to be on settling into their new life as a married couple.

The timing of their wedding was particularly notable. It occurred just days before the Lakers’ Media Day for the 2025-26 season. This meant Jake transitioned directly from his wedding celebrations to preparing for the new NBA season with his new team. They are now navigating the early stages of marriage while Jake embarks on his career with the Lakers.