NBA: Jake LaRavia filling scoring void for Lakers ahead of Pelicans clash

Jake LaRavia has emerged as the perfect spark for the resurgent Los Angeles Lakers ahead of Tuesday's road game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The versatile wing, who signed with the Lakers as a free agent last summer, is in season-best form — arriving at just the right time to provide a crucial two-way presence.

LaRavia made headlines with back-to-back standout performances against his former team as Los Angeles secured two home wins over the Memphis Grizzlies in just three days. He posted 21 points and nine rebounds on Friday, then followed with 26 points in Sunday’s 120-114 come-from-behind victory.

While Luka Doncic (36 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) and LeBron James (26 points, 10 assists) continued to deliver stellar performances, LaRavia became the Lakers’ third scoring option, especially with starters Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Rui Hachimura (right calf strain) sidelined — both expected to miss the upcoming game in New Orleans.

"You're not going to count on him scoring 26 a night," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "He's had a number of scoring games for us. We knew he was, by the metrics, a disruptive defender, which was something we really needed because we were bottom-third in the league last year in blocks, steals, and deflections. He's probably better defensively than anticipated. He's been one of our most consistent guys, if not our most consistent guy, on that end of the floor."

The only Laker to play in every game this season, LaRavia’s defensive impact goes beyond the box score.

"I play really hard," LaRavia said. "I try to understand the tendencies of the player I'm guarding. I’m not the most laterally quick or the most athletic, but I can read what players like to do and anticipate their moves. I’m really good at getting deflections and playing with my hands."

The Pelicans, currently last in the Western Conference, will face an uphill battle after extending their losing streak to seven games following Sunday’s 125-106 defeat to the Miami Heat.

New Orleans did have one reason to celebrate, however, as Trey Murphy III became the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, finishing with 27 points on 7-of-15 shooting from deep.

"It's great," Murphy said. "Especially getting it this early in my career. I started off my rookie year pretty roughly, so reaching this milestone in my fifth year is a big testament to the work, my teammates, and the Pelicans giving me the opportunity."

Murphy surpassed former teammate CJ McCollum’s record of 692 three-pointers.

"It's impressive what he's done," interim coach James Borrego said. "Since he's been in the league, his growth deserves a ton of credit. He’s put in the work and is a tremendous worker. He’s going to have a wonderful career here. Proud of him. He keeps growing every year, adding to his game. He’s tremendous and deserves all the credit."

Borrego was clear about where the Pelicans struggled most in Miami.

"Turnovers cost us," he said. "That was the game — 26 turnovers, 17 in the first half. Some of that was careless, some of that was their aggression, and some of that was rim and paint decisions."

The Lakers have dominated their recent matchups against New Orleans, winning their past seven meetings, including two this season, and 10 of the last 11 overall.

—Field Level Media/Reuters