“We are very pleased to announce that we have signed a new player for the 2021-22 Season with Kiefer Ravena,” said the Lakestars in a statement.

But under the three-year deal with NLEX, Ravena who signed to the team last year will have to face some conflicts for breaching the league’s Uniform Players’ Contract (UPC).

“Nagkita kami, noon pa lang sabi ko, ‘Kiefer hindi talaga puwede, kasi may kontrata ka‘,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said.

While the Road Warriors management shared in a statement that the team stands by the tripartite agreement between the PBA and a player that is bounded by UPC.

“The Japan engagement of Kiefer will need to conform to the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA,” the statement read.

However, amid contract issues, Ravena asserted his gratitude to the PBA community.

“To the PBA, Comm. Willy Marcial and The Board of Governors, thank you for always supporting me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity you have given us athletes,” he said. 

“I am and will always be proud of this family. Thank you for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career.”