(Photo by Alan Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Due to the competitive nature of the Los Angeles Lakers, the need for young talent has taken a backseat, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way in recent seasons. But that doesn’t stop the scouting department’s Joey and Jesse Buss from finding diamonds in the rough for a new iteration of the team should James decide to leave or retire.
The most recent example is Austin Reaves, who signed a two-way deal with the team as an undrafted player, then officially signed a standard contract, and now has earned himself a new contract and becomes a franchise player for the next few years. cornerstone. Hopefully, the same will be true for Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ No. 17 pick this summer.
The 20-year-old enters an environment where he can learn from James and Davis, as well as the other veterans on the roster. Hood Schifino discussed his first interaction with James, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic:
“Yeah, I’ve seen him. It was very recent, like a couple of weeks ago. We were working out. He worked out before me. I trained right after him, I got on the pitch and he walked up to In front of me, he said, “Hi. “It was the first time we’d met, so he gave me a pat on the back and asked me how I was doing and stuff like that, and that was basically it.”
Hood-Schifino had an up-and-down summer league season, suggesting it will take some time for him to adjust to the Lakers’ system. Since there aren’t any expectations for Hood Schifino’s rookie season, this might actually be a good sign for him to continue to get better and be ready for whenever his number is called. Prepare.
The former Hoosier could go the same route as Max Christie, who spent most of his time on the bench and saw limited action in his rookie season. However, Christie will have to show what he can do this summer and at least earn himself a chance to be in the rotation this season.
While the Lakers will always have championship expectations and tremendous pressure, the 6-foot-6 guard will easily fit into the NBA lifestyle and be able to learn from one of the all-time greats. It’s safe to say that Hood Schifino will learn a lot this upcoming season, whether he’s on the field or not.
Hood Schifino’s three-pointer improved
With Hood Schifino’s spot in the rotation seemingly limited, he’s still trying to adapt his game to the NBA level. In his only season in Indiana, the guard shot 33.3 percent from 3-point range, and he’s focused on his jump shot in hopes of improving that percentage this season.
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