The Los Angeles Lakers are silencing preseason doubts with a dominant start to the 2025–26 NBA season. After a sluggish preseason that had fans questioning the team’s chemistry, Los Angeles has bounced back in a big way, opening the year with a strong 5–2 record. Their latest 130–120 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday underscored the team’s improving rhythm and growing confidence on both ends of the floor.
While stars like Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis continue to anchor the Lakers, it’s Jake LaRavia who’s turning heads as the team’s most surprising breakout player. The versatile forward has been a revelation, injecting energy, shooting, and defensive intensity that fits perfectly into the Lakers’ evolving rotation and could redefine their depth heading into the heart of the season.
Which Moment Regarding Jake LaRavia Has Been Going Viral?
The moment that lit the fuse came late in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ October 30 tilt against the Timberwolves at Target Center. As the game tightened, a fan from the stands shouted, “Who is No. 12?” which was aimed squarely at the Lakers’ offseason acquisition.
Anthony Edwards, who was watching from the seats, amplified the jab with a reaction that suggested he didn’t know LaRavia either. What followed that was a resounding answer.
LaRavia stamped his name all over the night with 27 points, eight rebounds, and a blistering 10-for-11 from the field, drilling 5-of-6 from deep for a 90.9% field-goal rout. He didn’t just quiet the question. He helped the Lakers close out their third win of the season.
Since then, the “Who is No. 12?” clip has ricocheted around the internet, and LaRavia is leaning into the moment.
What Has LaRavia Said Regarding Anthony Edwards?
After Sunday’s win over Miami, the forward who just turned 24 on Monday was asked about the viral exchange. He smiled at the recognition and even thanked Edwards for the unexpected boost, acknowledging that the noise helped put his name in brighter lights.
“I kinda put my hands up like this, and I kinda agree with him, like who’s number 12? I kinda played into it a little bit. I find that kind of stuff funny cause I am not well known at this moment, so I’ll just, you know, head down, working hard, that’s all I do… Shoutout Anthony Edwards for allowing that clip to go viral,” said LaRavia during the postgame interview.
Jake LaRavia on this moment:
“I kinda put my hands up like this and I kinda agree with him like who’s number 12? I kinda played into it a little bit. I find that kind of stuff funny cause I am not well known at this moment so I’ll just you know head down, working hard that’s… https://t.co/r2z5JMRe04 pic.twitter.com/HbLvD3clbg
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) November 3, 2025
LaRavia was again pivotal in the game against the Heat as he poured in 25 points with eight rebounds while shooting 10-for-13 overall and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
If we see the Lakers set the tone early. They had a seven-point lead after the first quarter and even stretched the lead to 14 points by halftime. Miami punched back in the third and trimmed into the margin as Los Angeles’ rhythm wavered. But the Lakers regrouped in the fourth, tightened their coverage, and scored 28 points to finish the job.
Now the Lakers will next face the Portland Trail Blazers on November 3, and all eyes will be on LaRavia to see if he can continue his hot streak.