Jake LaRavia’s Lakers Signing Sparks Controversy as Old Tweets Resurface—Fans React With Confusion, Outrage, and Doubt

In what was supposed to be a promising step forward for both Jake LaRavia and the Los Angeles Lakers, a two-year, $12 million free agency deal has quickly turned sour—at least in the court of public opinion. The 23-year-old forward, expected to bring valuable shooting depth to a Lakers squad headlined by LeBron James and newly-acquired Luka Dončić, is now at the center of a social media storm involving old, resurfaced tweets directed at WNBA star Angel Reese.

The Lakers, eager to restructure their roster following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith and other key depth pieces, were betting on LaRavia’s perimeter shooting and off-ball movement to bolster their bench production. On paper, it looked like a sensible move. But in the era of digital receipts and online scrutiny, the past has a way of catching up—and it has come back to haunt LaRavia just as he’s stepping onto one of basketball’s brightest stages.

The Lakers’ Offseason Gamble

LaRavia, a former first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, spent the 2024–2025 season bouncing between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings. Though he never quite cemented himself as a full-time starter, he quietly carved out a reputation as a reliable three-point shooter. He shot 42 percent from beyond the arc last season, and his career average of 37.1 percent suggests a player with solid mechanics and floor-spacing potential.

With the Lakers needing affordable, young shooters who can stretch the floor for Dončić and James, LaRavia fit the bill. His off-ball movement, willingness to defend, and catch-and-shoot capabilities were viewed as assets. And with Austin Reaves—a close friend and workout partner—already on the team, the hope was that the two could develop chemistry on and off the court to become one of the league’s most effective second-unit duos.

But any optimism surrounding the signing was almost immediately overshadowed by a series of resurfaced tweets that painted LaRavia in a controversial light.

The Angel Reese Controversy

Within hours of his signing being made public, NBA Twitter began to light up—not with highlights, but screenshots. Fans uncovered tweets allegedly from LaRavia’s account that targeted Chicago Sky rookie and cultural icon Angel Reese. The tweets, dated back to May 2025, were widely perceived as disrespectful and misogynistic, stirring outrage across the basketball community.

LaRavia’s explanation? He claimed his account had been “hacked.” A now-common defense in the world of online PR disasters, but one that raised eyebrows almost immediately.

The tweets in question, however, had never been deleted. As of this writing, they remain publicly visible. That led to a flurry of online speculation and mockery.

“OMFG bro ain’t no way this dude our big off-season move,” one fan posted alongside a facepalm emoji.

“😭😭😭 yea Lakers ain’t winning s**t next season,” another wrote bluntly, referencing the team’s reliance on LaRavia to fill key minutes.

The skepticism piled up quickly:

“Who tf would hack ‘Jake LaRavia’?”

“Did he not delete the tweets when he got the account back😭😭?”

“He didn’t delete his tweets from when he was hacked???”

For Lakers fans hoping for a quiet and focused offseason, the drama was anything but welcome.

Damage Control or PR Spiral?

It’s worth noting that the account under scrutiny—believed to belong to LaRavia—has fewer than 500 followers, which added a strange layer to the controversy. Some fans even wondered whether the account was real. But the presence of past tweets about games, teammates, workouts, and other basketball-related content made it increasingly difficult to believe the “hacked” narrative without further clarification from LaRavia or his representatives.

As of now, neither LaRavia nor the Lakers organization has issued a formal statement addressing the controversy. That silence has only fueled speculation and further criticism. In a time where athletes are routinely held accountable for past behavior—especially online—LaRavia’s case is quickly becoming a cautionary tale for the digital age.

The Angel Reese Factor

Part of the outrage also stems from who the tweets targeted. Angel Reese isn’t just any athlete. She’s one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in women’s basketball today. Her blend of talent, swagger, and outspoken confidence has earned her fans and critics in equal measure—but there’s no denying her cultural impact.

By targeting Reese, LaRavia stepped directly into one of the most emotionally charged debates in modern basketball: the treatment of female athletes, particularly Black women, in the media and by fans. The WNBA is experiencing a historic boom in popularity, thanks in large part to young stars like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and A’ja Wilson. So when an NBA player—even one not in the spotlight—appears to disparage one of the league’s rising faces, it hits differently.

“Angel Reese has done more for the game this year than Jake LaRavia has in his entire career,” one viral tweet said. “And this is who the Lakers think can help them win?”

What Comes Next?

For Jake LaRavia, the road ahead is now far more complicated than just proving he belongs in the Lakers rotation. He’ll need to navigate a PR storm, rebuild trust with fans, and potentially face questions from the media and his own locker room. While some fans have already written him off, others are waiting for a proper apology—or at least an explanation.

He may still have a chance to reset the narrative. Public apologies, genuine accountability, and charitable or awareness-raising efforts have helped other athletes repair damaged images. But that process requires sincerity, not excuses—and deleting the tweets (which somehow still remain visible) would be a logical first step.

As for the Lakers, they’re walking a tightrope. The front office will likely be watching closely to see if the controversy escalates or dies down before training camp. In a city like Los Angeles, where media attention never wavers and fan expectations are sky-high, even a role player’s personal drama can dominate headlines.

Final Thoughts: A Crucial Summer

This summer was supposed to be about building a contender around Luka Dončić and giving LeBron James one more shot at glory. But instead of post-draft excitement and free agency praise, the Lakers now find themselves mired in an unexpected controversy.

For Jake LaRavia, the next few weeks may define not only his standing with Lakers fans—but his NBA future altogether. He may have been brought in to knock down open shots and defend wings, but now he’ll need to do something much harder: win back the trust of a community that expects more than just buckets.

In the end, one thing is clear—when you sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, every part of your past becomes part of the spotlight. And how you handle that pressure determines not just your place on the roster, but your place in the hearts of millions.