- Jake LaRavia is married to Taja McLean as of late September 2025.
- Taja McLean is a Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a licensed mental health professional.
- The couple met by chance in Toronto in 2022 after being on the same flight.
- They do not have children and are focused on their new life as a married couple.
Jake LaRavia isn’t just starting a new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers; he’s also recently begun an exciting new chapter in his personal life. The 23-year-old forward has been making headlines not only for his new two-year contract with the team but for his relationship with Taja McLean.
And if you’re wondering if he has a girlfriend, the answer is even better: as of late September 2025, she is now his wife. The couple’s journey from a chance encounter to a lifetime commitment is a story that beautifully parallels LaRavia’s own rising career on the basketball court.
Who Is Taja McLean?
While often seen alongside the NBA player, Taja McLean has established an impressive professional identity of her own. She is a highly qualified mental health professional dedicated to helping children and families. Taja holds a Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist.
She runs her own practice, Heart of Gold Counseling, where her approach often blends traditional therapy with creative arts to support young clients dealing with anxiety and depression.
Beyond her clinical work, she possesses a strong business acumen, having previously served as the Co-President of 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.
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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.
Also Read: Trey Yesavage Current Net Worth Revealed: Rookie MLB Star’s Fortune In Details
Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
