Jake LaRavia is embarking on an exciting journey with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his personal life is also taking a significant step forward. The 23-year-old forward has recently been in the spotlight not only due to his new two-year contract with the team but also because of his evolving relationship with Taja McLean.

If you’re curious about his relationship status, it’s official: as of late September 2025, LaRavia and McLean have tied the knot. Their journey from a chance meeting to marriage mirrors LaRavia’s own ascent in the world of professional basketball.

Who Is Taja McLean?

Taja McLean, often seen by LaRavia’s side, is an accomplished professional in her own right. A dedicated mental health expert, she focuses on supporting children and families. McLean holds a Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist.

She operates Heart of Gold Counseling, a practice where she integrates traditional therapy with creative arts, assisting young clients in overcoming issues like anxiety and depression.

In addition to her therapeutic work, McLean has demonstrated notable business skills, having previously co-led the Ivey Sales Club at Western University’s Ivey Business School.

How Did Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean Meet?

The story of how Jake and Taja met sounds like it’s straight out of a romantic movie, and it’s directly tied to the start of his NBA journey. Their first encounter was in 2022 during LaRavia’s pre-draft process. By pure chance, they were seated on the same flight to Toronto, where Jake had a workout scheduled with the Raptors. Interestingly, they didn’t speak a word to each other during the entire flight.

The real meeting happened serendipitously the next day on a street in Toronto. Taja recognized Jake from the flight and approached him. As LaRavia recalled, she said, “Oh, you were on my flight.” She was participating in a work scavenger hunt and needed a picture with him for the activity, having noticed his name on his travel bag. After the photo was taken, Taja messaged Jake later that evening, sparking a connection that has lasted ever since.

The Proposal and Wedding

Jake LaRavia made his commitment to Taja official in April 2025. He shared the happy news on Instagram with a series of heartfelt photos from the proposal, captioning the post, “Thank You God, Where Our Story Began Another Chapter Continues Mr And Mrs LaRavia Loading…”. The announcement was made at the very spot in Toronto where they first met, and it drew enthusiastic congratulations from NBA peers like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. LaRavia had previously stated that getting engaged was “the first on my to-do list this offseason,” highlighting how important this step was for him.

The couple then tied the knot in a late September ceremony in 2025, just before the start of the Lakers’ Media Day for the 2025-26 season. LaRavia announced their marriage on his Instagram Stories, confirming that “Mr. and Mrs. LaRavia” had officially begun their life together. This timing meant Jake transitioned directly from his wedding celebrations to preparing for the new NBA season with his new team.

Jake LaRavia Future Plans and Family

As for what the future holds, the newlyweds are currently focused on building the foundations of their marriage. According to available public information, Jake LaRavia and Taja McLean do not have any children yet.

The couple just recently got married, and their focus appears to be on settling into their new life as a married couple while Jake navigates the early stages of his career with the high-profile Los Angeles Lakers.