Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia was dealt a double dose of pain in his team’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
LaRavia got the start in the Tuesday contest in place of the injured Austin Reaves. Part of the 6’7″ wing’s duties was to keep Cade Cunningham in check.
It’s safe to say LaRavia was unsuccessful with that task, as Cunningham went off for 20 points throughout the first half. The lowlight for LaRavia was when he got his ankles crossed up by Cade while trying to navigate through screens.
CADE CUNNINGHAM DROPPED JAKE LARAVIA —
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 31, 2025
MY GOODNESS. 🥶
pic.twitter.com/41xeRZqnGc
Here’s a better angle of Cunningham snatching LaRavia’s ankles. It does appear as though LaRavia got tripped up with teammate Deandre Ayton. Such a defense, however, would never hold up in the basketball court of public opinion.
CADE CUNNINGHAM BROKE JAKE LARAVIA’S ANKLE 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/4oJ3O2nd7p
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) December 31, 2025
As if the emotional turmoil of getting your ankles broken on live television wasn’t enough, the basketball gods made LaRavia feel some physical pain as well.
With under four minutes left in the half, LaRavia took a huge elbow to the face from Jalen Duren. The Pistons center was assessed a flagrant foul penalty 1 on the play, sending his victim to the line for two free throws. LaRavia was rushed to the locker room after sinking both foul shots.
Jalen Duren swings an elbow to Jake LaRavia's head and is being reviewed for a flgarant foul 👀 pic.twitter.com/rC7g49K7qp
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 31, 2025
LaRavia was able to return to the game after getting cleared by the Lakers’ medical personnel. While the physical pain appeared to have subsided quickly, the clip of him getting tripped up by Cunningham will live on for years to come.
Lakers fans may need to sing LaRavia a comfort song as they did earlier in the game for LeBron James’ 41st birthday.
