The Los Angeles Lakers believed taking Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA draft was an easy decision.
Executive Rob Pelinka spoke glowingly of the Indiana University guard’s size and other characteristics. He believes Hood-Schifino can fit in very well with the team. The executive also said Hood-Schifino could complement Austin Reaves due to his versatility.
Some wanted Los Angeles to take wing Cam Whitmore at No. 17, but the Lakers’ predraft choice was either Hood-Schifino or Kobe Bufkin, another guard. Reportedly, the Lakers went with a guard because they wanted a viable replacement for Reaves should he get offered a bigger contract than it is willing or able to match.
Via Lakers Nation:
“It remains to be seen how free agency will play out in the coming days, but according to league sources, the Lakers’ two top targets in the 2023 NBA draft were Hood-Schifino and Kobe Bufkin, another guard who was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks just two picks before L.A.
“The reason the Lakers were so high on both guards is they saw them as potential replacements for Reaves should an offer sheet price them out of bringing the restricted free agent back, league sources tell Lakers Nation.”
Since Reaves is a restricted free agent, the Lakers will be allowed to match any offer he receives from another team. But if that offer goes north of $100 million, they may end up letting him walk.