Lakers announce positive injury update for rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino

Lakers rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino is recovering from a right patella contusion and has started a return to play progression.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino is recovering from a right patella contusion and has started a return to play progression, the team announced on Thursday.

Hood-Schifino did not play in the Lakers’ last two preseason games due to the injury and has missed the first 12 games of the regular season. Lakers coach Darvin Ham said on Nov. 4 that Hood-Schifino was still a “few weeks” away from returning.

The 17th pick has been spotted participating in various on-court drills and other related exercises. The team is ramping up his rehab and monitoring how his knee responds to the workouts.

Hood-Schifino averaged 3.5 points, four assists and 3.8 rebounds in four appearances this preseason. He had his most productive game on Oct. 7 versus Golden State with seven points, six rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot.

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