Jake LaRavia has been quietly turning heads for the Lakers this season. What started as a funny viral moment actually helped show how good he really is. When Anthony Edwards and his Timberwolves fans were joking, “Who’s No. 12?” during a game, LaRavia could’ve ignored it, but instead, he came back and dropped 27 points on their team. Talk about a perfect reply.

After the Lakers beat Miami 130-120, LaRavia finally talked about that viral moment. He laughed and said, “Yes, sir. I kind of put my hands up and agreed like, who’s No. 12? I thought it was funny because I’m not well-known yet. So I just keep my head down and work hard.” That pretty much sums up how he’s been this whole season: working quietly but delivering big results.

And those results are impressive. This season, LaRavia is shooting 60% from the field and 50% on three-pointers. Against Minnesota, he was almost perfect, making 10 out of 11 shots. Then, against Miami, he scored 25 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and threw in three assists in just about 34 minutes. The advice from Lakers coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka to “be yourself a little more” seems to be clicking with him.

But this isn’t just about a meme or a viral joke. LaRavia is proving he deserves to be part of the Lakers’ rotation with stars like Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton. He’s stepping up while the big names rest or struggle, showing he can handle pressure and deliver when it counts.

It’s easy to forget he was still finding his footing just a few months ago. Early in the season, LaRavia was shooting 4-for-16, still figuring out where he fits. Now, with Redick’s coaching and a clearer role, he’s become a key player off the bench. Last year, the Lakers’ bench was near the bottom in scoring. This season, with LaRavia and Dalton Knecht, the second unit looks much better.

What makes LaRavia special is that he brings balance. He can score, but he also plays good defense and reads the game smartly. This keeps him on the court during the crunch time moments. When he plays alongside Austin Reaves and Vanderbilt, the Lakers have a +16.2 net rating over 64 minutes — a solid sign of his impact. His ability to space out the floor also helps teammates like Reaves find space to make plays.

Off the court, LaRavia fits right in with the Lakers’ vibe. He’s friendly, knows himself well, and isn’t shy about joking around, even when the spotlight gets a little funny. Fans have embraced him fast, sharing memes and highlight clips with a mix of laughs and respect. That $12 million contract he signed? Looks like the Lakers’ front office made a smart call.

LaRavia himself heard the heckling a few times and took it all in stride. “I heard it about three times,” he said smiling. “It’s funny, man.” So that viral “Who’s No. 12?” question might actually be the most ironic thing this season, because now everyone knows exactly who he is.

Jake LaRavia turned what could have been a joke into a moment that helped him shine. He’s shooting well, playing smart, and staying cool under pressure. He’s showing the Lakers and fans alike that sometimes the best way to respond to haters is to just do your thing and let your game do the talking.