LaRavia may be matched up with KD a decent amount in the upcoming first-round series, and he addressed that situation at Lakers practice.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to need someone to step up and guard Kevin Durant in this series. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both sidelined to start the first round, LA has already been forced to redefine roles across the board.
On the defensive end against a 37-year-old former MVP averaging 26 points a game, that responsibility is going to fall heavily on Jake LaRavia. So far, LaRavia isn't shying away from it whatsoever.
"I always take those challenges with pride, and obviously guarded him in the matchups that we've had previously," LaRavia said. "One of the greatest scorers ever, so it'll be very exciting for me to take that challenge."
Durant is still one of the most difficult assignments anyone in the league can draw. His shot mechanics are some of the most pure in league history, and he's making any kind of pull-up jump shot in his sleep.
Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) scores a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesLaRavia's Role Just Got a Lot Bigger
In the three regular season meetings between these two teams, he averaged 20.3 points while shooting 56.1% from the field. The Lakers won two of those three games and held Durant to 18 points in each of their wins. This blueprint is relevant heading into Saturday's Game 1 at Crypto.com Arena.
Before the injuries to Doncic and Reaves, LaRavia was a rotation piece. Now he's one of the more important players on this roster for a team trying to survive a first-round matchup as underdogs.
He was one of just 18 players in the entire NBA to appear in all 82 games this season, and JJ Redick has praised his consistency and availability throughout the year. On the defensive end, his length and versatility make him a sensible option to throw at Durant in stretches, especially in a series where the Lakers have limited bodies.
A Team Effort With High Stakes
The challenge isn't just Durant either. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. all present different problems, and LA can't commit so many resources to slowing Durant that everyone else gets open looks.
Following Durant off screens, staying attached through his movement without the ball, and not fouling a player who can get to the line at will all requires discipline and focus for 48 minutes. LaRavia's willingness to embrace the moment is exactly the mindset this Lakers team needs right now.
Everyone in the building knows the circumstances heading into this series. But from Redick's message about resiliency to Marcus Smart's understanding of what playoff basketball demands, this group has been consistent in how it frames the challenge in front of them.
LeBron James at 41 will still be the focal point of everything the Lakers do offensively. But games in this series could very well be decided by how well LA's role players execute on the other end, and LaRavia is making it clear he plans to be part of that answer when Game 1 tips off on Saturday.