Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on March 14 that he remains confident in forward Jake LaRavia, who has struggled with his three-point shooting this month. LaRavia is currently 1-for-14 from beyond the arc in March, but Redick emphasized the player’s contributions in other areas of the game.
LaRavia, a 24-year-old forward, has not been known as a top shooter but holds a career average of 35.1% from three-point range and is shooting 31.6% for Los Angeles. Despite his recent difficulties scoring, Redick highlighted LaRavia’s overall impact on the team.
“Starting coming back from All-Star break, he’s really just been one of those guys that has been exemplary in his role,” Redick said. “Meaning the things we’re asking him to do, he’s done at a really high level. I think it was the Denver game and whatever game was before that, which seems so long ago, I told him he was awful. He played terrible in both games on both ends. And he has responded, like he always does throughout the season. He’s played great. He’s a guy that we have a lot of confidence when he gets open catch-and-shoot 3s and we have a lot of confidence when he plays in transition and plays off closeouts. When he gets to double digits, which he’s done a number of times with us, it’s such an added bonus and lift. He’s been great with his physicality, his rebounding, his crashing, his disruption on defense. As the season has progressed, his on-ball defense has been getting better. He’s been great for us.”
Redick also pointed out that LaRavia continues to contribute defensively by rebounding and forcing turnovers to give Los Angeles extra possessions.
While most of the team’s offense comes from its starters, Redick said having bench players like Luke Kennard and LaRavia contribute points would be helpful as the season progresses.
Despite ongoing struggles with finishing and shooting this month, LaRavia said he remains confident in his shot and appreciates support from the coaching staff.
