Jake LaRavia’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Orlando Bloom

Jake LaRavia comes from a close family that supported his unlikely journey from an overlooked high school basketball player in Indianapolis to a first-round NBA Draft pick and Los Angeles Lakers forward. Born Jacob Glen LaRavia on November 3, 2001, in Pasadena, California, he is the son of Jeff and Becky LaRavia and grew up with two brothers.

LaRavia’s family moved from California to Indianapolis when he was around five years old, and Indiana became the place where his basketball career took shape. His personal life has also entered a new chapter: after several years in a long-distance relationship with Taja McLean, LaRavia proposed in April 2025 and the couple married in September 2025. Here is everything known about Jake LaRavia’s wife, children, parents and siblings.

Who Is Jake LaRavia’s Wife?

Jake LaRavia is married to Taja McLean, who now also goes by Taja LaRavia. The couple married on September 27, 2025, in an intimate ceremony in Laguna Beach, California, shortly before LaRavia began his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Their relationship has an unusual origin because Jake and Taja initially encountered each other by chance in Toronto during the period leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft.

They first noticed each other on a flight in May 2022 but did not speak. Less than a day later, they unexpectedly encountered one another again in downtown Toronto while Taja was participating in a work-related scavenger hunt.

Taja recognized Jake from the flight and approached him for a photograph connected to the activity. She later contacted him through Instagram, and their brief encounter developed into regular conversations.

What began as a chance meeting eventually turned into a long-distance relationship that lasted through the early years of Jake’s NBA career.

Who Is Taja McLean?

Taja McLean has built a professional identity separate from her husband’s NBA career. She has a background in business, sales and corporate work and attended Western University’s Ivey Business School in Canada.

While at Ivey, Taja was involved in developing the school’s Sales Club and served as one of its co-presidents. She spoke publicly about wanting to create opportunities for students interested in building practical sales skills.

Taja’s connection to Canada played a major role in the early years of her relationship with Jake. While he traveled throughout the United States for basketball, the couple frequently had to manage a cross-border, long-distance relationship.

They relied heavily on calls, messages and planned visits while Jake moved from his NBA pre-draft workouts to Memphis and later Sacramento.

After their marriage, Taja explained that she had obtained permanent resident status in the United States, allowing the couple to finally establish a more permanent home together in Southern California.

How Did Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean Meet?

Jake and Taja’s story began on May 23, 2022, when they happened to be on the same flight arriving in Toronto.

According to Taja’s own account, the two noticed each other but never exchanged words. They collected their belongings and left the airport separately, expecting never to see each other again.

The following day, however, they crossed paths in downtown Toronto.

Taja was taking part in a scavenger hunt associated with her work and recognized Jake as the man she had seen on the airplane. She approached him, and the two took a photograph together.

Afterward, Taja found Jake on Instagram and sent him a message. They began talking every day while LaRavia continued traveling for NBA pre-draft workouts.

Approximately two and a half months later, after Jake had been drafted, the two finally spent extended time together. Their relationship then continued despite the distance between Canada and the different American cities where LaRavia played basketball.

When Did Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean Get Engaged?

Jake LaRavia proposed to Taja McLean on April 27, 2025.

He deliberately chose Toronto for the proposal, returning to the place where their relationship had started. The proposal took place near the base of the CN Tower, close to where they had first spoken and taken their original photograph together.

The couple publicly announced their engagement afterward, describing the proposal as another chapter beginning in the same city where their story started.

LaRavia later said getting engaged had been one of his most important personal goals during the 2025 offseason.

When Did Jake LaRavia Get Married?

Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean married on September 27, 2025, approximately five months after becoming engaged.

Instead of organizing a large traditional wedding, the couple made a relatively spontaneous decision to elope before Lakers training camp.

They exchanged vows during an intimate weekend in Laguna Beach, California. Their wedding included documentary-style photographs, a classic car and photographs at a local bar, reflecting the relaxed and personal celebration they wanted.

The timing meant LaRavia entered his first Lakers training camp as a newly married man.

Does Jake LaRavia Have Children?

As of now, there is no reliable public information indicating that Jake LaRavia and his wife Taja have any children.

Neither Jake nor Taja has publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and recent profiles of the couple have focused on their marriage and establishing their home together rather than parenthood.

Therefore, Jake LaRavia should not currently be described as having children unless the couple announces otherwise publicly.

Who Are Jake LaRavia’s Parents?

Jake LaRavia’s parents are Jeff LaRavia and Becky LaRavia. The Los Angeles Lakers’ official media guide identifies Jeff and Becky as his parents and describes Jake as one of three brothers.

Jake was born in Pasadena, California, but the family relocated to Indianapolis when he was approximately five years old.

The move meant Jake spent most of his childhood in Indiana, but his family’s connection to Southern California remained significant. That connection became especially meaningful when he signed with the Lakers in 2025.

Jake LaRavia’s Father: Jeff LaRavia

Jake LaRavia’s father is Jeff LaRavia. Jeff spent part of his own life in Southern California and was already a Los Angeles Lakers fan long before his son became an NBA player.

Jake revealed after signing with Los Angeles that his father had grown up watching the Lakers and was a particular fan of Magic Johnson.

Jeff’s reaction to his son’s Lakers contract demonstrated how meaningful the move was for the family. Jake said his father was extremely excited and nearly became emotional after learning that Jake would be playing for the franchise he had supported growing up.

The connection was even stronger because Jake and his brothers had all been born in Pasadena before the family moved to Indiana.

Public professional information has identified Jeff as working in information technology. However, he has generally remained outside the spotlight compared with his NBA-playing son.

Jeff and Becky nevertheless played an important role in Jake’s basketball development. They supported him even when there was little indication that he would become a first-round NBA Draft selection.

Jake LaRavia’s Mother: Becky LaRavia

Jake’s mother is Becky LaRavia. Like Jeff, she has mostly kept her personal life away from national sports coverage.

Media profiles based on her professional background have reported that Becky participated in basketball and volleyball during her college years, meaning athletics were already familiar within the LaRavia household.

She also played an important emotional role throughout Jake’s basketball journey.

One of the most memorable family moments occurred during the 2022 NBA Draft. After Jake heard his name called in the first round, he became emotional while embracing his mother.

The moment represented the culmination of an unusual journey because Jake had not entered high school as a nationally celebrated prospect.

His parents had watched him develop gradually, grow physically and work his way from Indiana State to Wake Forest before becoming an NBA Draft prospect.

Who Are Jake LaRavia’s Siblings?

Jake LaRavia has two brothers. The Lakers’ official media guide confirms that he grew up with two male siblings and notes that his oldest brother serves in the United States Marine Corps.

The names of Jake’s brothers have not been consistently published by authoritative basketball sources, so they should not be identified using names circulating on unverified biography websites or social-media accounts.

Jake has nevertheless spoken publicly about growing up with his brothers. When discussing his family’s California roots after joining the Lakers, he said that he and all of his brothers were born in Pasadena.

Jake LaRavia’s Oldest Brother

Jake’s oldest brother is a member of the United States Marine Corps, according to the Lakers’ official biography.

Beyond his military service, relatively little verified information about his personal life has been made public.

This privacy is understandable because Jake’s brothers are not public professional athletes and have generally remained outside NBA media coverage.

Jake LaRavia’s Other Brother

Jake also has another brother, giving Jeff and Becky LaRavia three sons in total.

Official sources do not provide extensive biographical information about Jake’s second brother, including his career or personal life.

What Jake has confirmed publicly is that all three brothers were born in Pasadena before the family settled in Indianapolis.

Jake LaRavia’s Family Moved From California to Indiana

Jake LaRavia was born in Pasadena on November 3, 2001. Around five years later, Jeff and Becky moved the family to Indianapolis.

The relocation shaped almost every part of Jake’s early basketball story.

He eventually enrolled at Lawrence Central High School, where he was not immediately regarded as a future NBA player. LaRavia had a limited role during the early stages of his high school career and developed much later than many elite prospects.

His breakthrough came during his senior season.

LaRavia averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game while helping Lawrence Central win its first sectional championship since 2012.

He was named an Indiana All-Star, but major college basketball programs still did not pursue him as aggressively as many future NBA first-round picks.

Jake LaRavia’s Parents Supported His Unusual College Journey

LaRavia originally committed to SIU Edwardsville, but a coaching change caused him to reconsider his decision.

He eventually joined Indiana State, where he quickly demonstrated that he could compete at the Division I level.

As a freshman, LaRavia earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman and All-Newcomer honors. His production increased during his sophomore season, when he earned Second-Team All-MVC recognition.

Following a coaching change at Indiana State, LaRavia entered the transfer portal and moved to Wake Forest.

The decision dramatically increased his national profile.

During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game for Wake Forest and earned Second-Team All-ACC honors.

By then, the player who had received modest recruiting attention after high school had become a legitimate NBA prospect.

Jake LaRavia’s Family Celebrated His NBA Draft Selection

Jake entered the 2022 NBA Draft following his junior season at Wake Forest.

The Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the 19th overall pick, before his draft rights were sent to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a trade.

For Jake’s parents, the first-round selection represented years of supporting a player whose NBA future had once been far from obvious.

LaRavia spent the first part of his professional career in Memphis and also appeared for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League while developing his game.

In February 2025, Memphis traded him to the Sacramento Kings as part of a multi-team transaction.

Jeff LaRavia’s Lakers Dream Became Reality

LaRavia became a free agent following the 2024-25 season and signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025.

The move created a special full-circle moment for his family.

Jake had been born in Pasadena, his brothers were also born there and his father had grown up supporting the Lakers. After moving across the country as a child and spending most of his life in Indiana, Jake returned to Southern California as an NBA player.

The Lakers signed him to a two-year deal reportedly worth approximately $12 million.

LaRavia went on to become a regular member of the Lakers’ rotation and remained with Los Angeles entering the 2026-27 season.

Jake and Taja LaRavia Built Their Home in Southern California

Joining the Lakers also coincided with major changes in Jake’s personal life.

He became engaged shortly before signing with Los Angeles and married Taja only a few months later.

After years of managing a cross-border relationship, the couple began building their married life in Southern California’s South Bay area.

For Jake, the move therefore represented more than simply changing NBA teams. It reunited him with the region where he was born, fulfilled a special family connection through his father’s Lakers fandom and provided a permanent base for his new marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jake LaRavia’s Family

Who are Jake LaRavia’s parents?

Jake LaRavia’s parents are Jeff and Becky LaRavia. The family lived in Pasadena, California, before moving to Indianapolis when Jake was approximately five years old.

Who is Jake LaRavia’s father?

Jake’s father is Jeff LaRavia. Jeff has a professional background in information technology and grew up as a Los Angeles Lakers fan, particularly admiring Magic Johnson.

Who is Jake LaRavia’s mother?

Jake’s mother is Becky LaRavia. She has remained relatively private, although media profiles report that she participated in basketball and volleyball during college.

Does Jake LaRavia have a girlfriend?

No. Jake LaRavia is married. His longtime partner Taja McLean became his wife in September 2025.

Who is Jake LaRavia’s wife?

Jake LaRavia’s wife is Taja McLean, now also known as Taja LaRavia. The couple first met in Toronto in 2022, became engaged in April 2025 and married in September 2025.

When did Jake LaRavia get married?

Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean married on September 27, 2025, during an intimate wedding in Laguna Beach, California.

When did Jake LaRavia propose to Taja McLean?

Jake proposed on April 27, 2025, near the CN Tower in Toronto, returning to the location associated with the beginning of their relationship.

How did Jake LaRavia meet his wife?

Jake and Taja first noticed each other on a flight arriving in Toronto in May 2022. They unexpectedly met again the following day in downtown Toronto, after which Taja contacted Jake on Instagram and the two began a relationship.

Does Jake LaRavia have children?

As of now, there is no reliable public information indicating that Jake LaRavia and Taja have any children.

How many siblings does Jake LaRavia have?

Jake LaRavia has two brothers. The Los Angeles Lakers’ official media guide confirms that he is one of three brothers.

Who are Jake LaRavia’s brothers?

The names of Jake LaRavia’s two brothers have not been consistently published by authoritative sources. What is confirmed is that his oldest brother serves in the United States Marine Corps.

Is Jake LaRavia’s brother a Marine?

Yes. The Lakers’ official media guide states that Jake’s oldest brother is a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Where was Jake LaRavia born?

Jake LaRavia was born in Pasadena, California, on November 3, 2001. His family moved to Indianapolis when he was around five years old.

What is Jake LaRavia’s full name?

His full name is Jacob Glen LaRavia.

What team does Jake LaRavia play for?

As of now, Jake LaRavia plays forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed with the team as a free agent in July 2025 and wears No. 12.