JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka's unmatched detail convinced $12 million FA signing to pick Lakers against expectations

Lakers coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka apparently got their talent assessment right this offseason. Without spending a first-round pick and playing the long game, the Lakers got active in free agency and the trade market. Their three signings, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, have been their best role players and key to the team's 7-3 start.

LaRaviain particular, he has highlighted. The Lakers let Dorian Finney-Smith walk in free agency to make room for the former Grizzlies and Kings forward, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract. LaRavia had multiple options.

His agent, Aaron Reiley, revealed that the unmatched depth of JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka made it easy for LaRavia to sign with LA. Here's what Reiley wrote to X on Sunday while reacting to the Redick news saying he called LaRavia first when free agency began:

“The level of detail that JJ and Rob had on that call was second to none. JJ knew his game better than anyone. I actually thought Jake would end up on another team. However, as soon as we hung up, Jake, Reg and I knew LA was the place for Jake. Amazing moment.”

Jake LaRavia has been a connector on both ends for the lakers. In 10 games played 29.7 minutes, the 24-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. He's shot 55.6%, including 41.2% from 3. He's also had multiple 25-point games. LaRavia is on track for a career season in all of these statistical categories.

His production is far higher than Finney-Smith, who averaged 7.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.4 apg as a Lakers player, shooting 44.2 percent, including 39.8 percent from 3. Finney-Smith has yet to debut with his new team, the Rockets, as he is recovering from left ankle surgery.

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Lakers coach JJ Redick draws parallels between Jake LaRavia and Knicks' Josh Hart

Jake LaRavia has left a lasting impression on the Lakers coach JJ Redick after his first breakout in the Purple and Gold. Redick believes LaRavia is a unique player at his position who can do a little bit of everything. While he didn't want to directly compare him to Josh Hart, Redick did draw parallels in his impacts for the Lakers and Knicks, respectively.

Here's what the second-year coach had to say after LA's 118-116 win against the Spurs on Wednesday (via Lakers Nation):

“I'm not comparing him to Josh (Hart), but Josh for New York has been doing a lot every night for years. Sometimes Jake can impact a game without scoring in double figures. There's not a lot of guys in the league like that, so we were really excited to get him.”

Jake LaRavia has contributed well in the absence of LeBron James at the wing spot. While he doesn't match the four-time MVP's frame production, LaRavia is executing his roles on any given night, giving LA what it needs from a scoring, playmaking, shooting and defense standpoint.

He's given JJ Redick the options he needs beyond stars among role players, which the Lakers didn't have last year.