NBA free agency just started, and the Sacramento Kings have big plans. They will likely do some moving and shaking over the next few days, losing and acquiring talent.
There will be plenty to nitpick over, but the Kings got off to a turbulent start, immediately losing Jake LaRavia, who is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers. It is disappointing to see him go, but anyone paying attention isn't even remotely surprised that he's leaving.
LaRavia was never going to remain in Sacramento, and the Kings knew it
The Kings acquired LaRavia from the Memphis Grizzlies last season, and he posted a promising average of 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists during just 19 games. If he hadn't been hurt, he could have bumped up those numbers even more.
The problem was, the Kings always knew that LaRavia was a rental, someone who wouldn't be there for long. When they brought him in from the Grizzlies, they were burdened with a salary restriction that limited what they could give him during free agency.
The most the Kings could cough up was $5.2 million. In the end, the Lakers only brought him $6 million annually. It's not a huge difference, but it is enough, especially for a young player who is looking to make a name for himself on a team with a chance to truly compete.
It didn't feel like an "if," but a "when" with LaRavia, because most everyone thought the 23-year-old forward would get a better deal from a team beyond Sacramento. He didn't have to go far, and now he's heading south to play closer to his hometown of Pasadena.
Kings fans understand that the front office was in a tough spot, but it's still disappointing to see LaRavia go after his promising start in Sacramento. They're already bracing for what might come next. Like Tyrese Haliburton before him, LaRavia could go to his new team, do big things, and make the Kings regret losing him.
If the Kings knew they wouldn't hold LaRavia for long, why even sign him in the first place? It's all part of doing business in the NBA. Thankfully, this isn't the most stinging loss for the Kings, but it's still disheartening because now the team has yet another roster hole to fill. Incoming rookie Nique Clifford might be able to help, but that's no guarantee. What is guaranteed is that Kings fans will be watching the Lakers next season, nervous and curious to see what LaRavia can do.