Tag: Jalen Hood-Schifino

Three takeaways from Monday’s Lakers vs. Heat summer league game

Three players showed promise during the Lakers’ first summer league game of 2023.

The California Classic summer league tipped off on Monday with a contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. The Heat thoroughly outclassed Los Angeles. They jumped to a sizable early lead and cruised to a 107-90 victory.

It appeared they simply had better talent. Jaime Jaquez Jr., out of University of California, Los Angeles, had 22 points. Big man Nikola Jovic, who was an NBA rookie this past season, posted 21 points and eight rebounds.

A few players for Los Angeles showed some promise. The team will be back at it again on Wednesday when it takes on the San Antonio Spurs in its second and final contest of the California Classic.

Here are three players in particular that looked promising on Monday.

Darvin Ham talks about Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham seems to like what incoming rookies Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis can bring to the table.

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More and more people are feeling hopeful about the Los Angeles Lakers’ two draft picks this year: Indiana University guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and Pepperdine University forward Maxwell Lewis.

Neither is a sure thing, but both have a great deal of potential, and there is optimism that Hood-Schifino and possibly Maxwell will fill needs for Los Angeles.

While Hood-Schifino has intriguing playmaking and defensive skills, Lewis is a long 6-foot-7 man who has ample athleticism and 3-and-D potential.

But no matter what fans and pundits may think, the opinion of their new head coach matters most, and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had nice things to say about both incoming rookies.

“I just think with Jalen you have a big guard. He kind of reminds me of Chauncey Billups, one of my old teammates — probably doesn’t shoot it as well as Chauncey, but his jump shot is nowhere near broke, (shoots) high 70s in his free throws and that is usually an indicator that that will translate to the 3-point line at the NBA level. Just his versatility on both sides of the ball, his poise with the ball in his hands, his ability to play off the ball, his reads, his playmaking ability offensively and defensively is just off the charts. His ability to guard multiple positions, guarding on the ball, off the ball, his ability to rebound, keep his man in front of him at that size — 6-foot-6, 215 — to have that in your backcourt is really going to be special.

“Maxwell, on the wing, just his versatility, his ability to shoot, his ability to playmaker, also his ability to rebound and his length. He’s able to get deflections, get steals, he can block shots at the rim, block shots on the ball. They’re both great in transition. They check a lot of boxes in regards to the way we want to play.”

In all likelihood, the best way for both men to gain meaningful playing time in Ham’s rotation next season is to get after it on the defensive end, which is something both are capable of.

Jalen Hood-Schifino on age difference between him and LeBron James

Jalen Hood-Schifino had just been born when LeBron James was drafted into the NBA in 2003, which amazed the Indiana University guard.

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LeBron James may not be the greatest player in NBA history, as an increasing number of fans and pundits seem to suggest. Whether he is or isn’t, a major argument on his side is his longevity.

In his 20th NBA season, he averaged 28.9 points on 50% shooting, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists a game. Those are amazing numbers for a player of any age, let alone one who is 38. The same longevity that allowed him to put up those numbers also allowed him to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer in February.

It speaks to James’ longevity that there are now players entering the league who were barely alive when he came into the NBA. One of them is Jalen Hood-Schifino, whom the Los Angeles Lakers took with the No. 17 pick in last week’s draft.

When the former Indiana University standout found out he was just seven days old when James was drafted in 2003, he was amazed at the age difference.

If Hood-Schifino pans out, he could help James continue to age gracefully by lessening the 38-year-old’s responsibilities, especially when it comes to handling the ball and setting up teammates.

 

Lakers took Jalen Hood-Schifino in the NBA draft in case Austin Reaves leaves

The Lakers may now have a viable option on their roster in case Austin Reaves departs in free agency.

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.

How Jalen Hood-Schifino feels he’ll fit in with and help the Lakers

Jalen Hood-Schifino, the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Lakers, feels he will be “an all-around player” for his new team.

When the Los Angeles Lakers took Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, some fans weren’t fully sure what to make of the selection.

The Indiana University guard has great size, a nice midrange game and good facilitating and defensive skills. On the other hand, he hasn’t shown he’s a dependable outside shooter and he’s thought to be slow-footed.

However, executive Rob Pelinka has spoken glowingly of Hood-Schifino and believes he can do very well in L.A.

The 20-year-old also seems confident he will be successful as a member of the Purple and Gold.

Via The Athletic:

“I would just say I’m an all-around player,” Hood-Schifino said. “I check a lot of boxes. Obviously, a big guard. I feel like I can score from all three levels. Really unselfish. Floor general.”

Hood-Schifino will get his first opportunity to show his stuff when the Lakers begin summer league play during the first week of July. If they end up losing D’Angelo Russell and/or Austin Reaves in free agency, or even if Dennis Schroder leaves, Hood-Schifino could end up getting a golden opportunity to play meaningful minutes as a rookie.

The Lakers’ summer league schedule is set

Get ready to watch the Lakers’ youngsters in this year’s summer league, which starts on July 3.

The Los Angeles Lakers will have intriguing young players taking part in summer league play this year.

There is guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who was selected with the No. 17 pick in Thursday’s draft, and forward Maxwell Lewis, the No. 40 selection. Los Angeles will have several undrafted free agents also taking part: guard D’Moi Hodge, forward Alex Fudge, big man Colin Castleton and guard Damion Baugh.

Two players who were rookies this past season will also play in the summer league: wing Max Christie and forward Cole Swider.

The Lakers’ schedule for summer league play in Las Vegas is set (all times are in Pacific Daylight Time).

In addition, the Lakers will play in two games as part of the California Classic prior to heading to Las Vegas. They will face the Miami Heat on July 3 at 3 p.m. PDT and the San Antonio Spurs two days later at 5 p.m. PDT.

The contest against the Spurs could allow Lakers fans to get a first look at 7-foot-2 Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick who has been described as a generational talent and the most hyped rookie since at least LeBron James.

Rob Pelinka compared Jalen Hood-Schifino to Austin Reaves

There is one quality in particular that caused Rob Pelinka to compare Jalen Hood-Schifino to budding Lakers star Austin Reaves.

One of the newest members of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jalen Hood-Schifino, is an intriguing draft prospect, yet not everyone is fully sold on him.

While he has nice mid-range scoring abilities, defensive versatility and solid facilitating skills, he isn’t a good 3-point shooter and he appears to lack footspeed.

Still, executive Rob Pelinka was sold on the Indiana University guard and took him at No. 17 on Thursday.

Pelinka said shortly after the draft that his intangibles, including his maturity and how he takes care of his body, are what will allow him to thrive with the Purple and Gold.

In fact, the executive even compared Hood-Schifino to Austin Reaves in the sense of having the work ethic to shore up his deficient outside shooting.

Via Sports Illustrated:

“We saw, again, just as a point of comparison, with a player like Austin Reaves, when we drafted him, he wasn’t a knockdown shooter. But he is now,” Pelinka said. “It’s because he put in work — and work with our staff. And I know that’s something Jalen is committed to, too.”

Unlike Hood-Schifino, who was expected by some to go higher than pick No. 17, Reaves was undrafted two years ago. In two seasons, he went from an obscure prospect to one with potential and then a budding star who is on everyone’s free agent radar.

The Lakers have had a very good track record, for the most part, of making the most of their draft picks in recent years. Only time will tell if Hood-Schifino will continue that trend.

Lakers considered taking Cam Whitmore with No. 17 pick in draft

Some Lakers fans were disappointed when the Lakers didn’t take Cam Whitmore in the 2023 NBA Draft, but the team did consider him.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to take Indiana University guard Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA draft on Thursday was met with mixed reactions.

He lacks speed and athleticism, an NBA-ready 3-point shooting ability and the capability to reliably finish at the rim. However, he is a terrific facilitator, passer, mid-range shooter and defender who possesses outstanding length at 6-foot-6 and has a 6-foot-10 wingspan.

Some Lakers fans wanted the team to take Cam Whitmore, a 6-foot-7 forward from Villanova University, and the team reportedly considered doing so.

Via The Athletic:

“Even as Cam Whitmore, who was a projected lottery pick, slid to Houston at pick No. 20, no team decided to trade up to steal him. (The Lakers considered Whitmore, according to team sources, but determined Hood-Schifino was a surer bet.)”

Most believe Whitmore fell in the draft because numerous teams were concerned about his health.

In the end, the Lakers drafted an intriguing and athletic wing of their own when Maxwell Lewis, who was expected by some to go late in the first round, fell to them at No. 40.

Jalen Hood-Schifino says he grew up a fan of Kobe Bryant

Jalen Hood-Schifino, the first player the Lakers took in Thursday’s draft, says he’s always been a fan the late Kobe Bryant.

It is rare for a standout basketball player at even the college level to get drafted into the NBA. It is even more rare for such a player to get drafted by the team he rooted for growing up or the team that had a player he loved.

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers took Indiana University guard Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Some don’t love the pick, as he does have some weaknesses, but his strengths, such as his defensive versatility, passing and midrange game, make him an intriguing pick.

After the Lakers drafted him, he said that he had always been a fan of the late great Kobe Bryant (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).

In fact, when executive Rob Pelinka asked Hood-Schifino who he would like to have lunch with, whether that person is living or dead, he said Bryant.

Perhaps his love for Bryant will inspire him to work that much harder and smarter on his game in order to reach his potential in the NBA.

Lakers take Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick

The pick is in; the Lakers have taken Indiana University guard Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Los Angeles Lakers had a first-round draft pick that wasn’t being re-routed to another team in a trade. It gave them an opportunity to address at least one of their needs in a cost-effective manner.

The Lakers need 3-point shooting, defense and potentially a ball-handling guard. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, their two starting guards, are about to become free agents, and there is a chance they lose both this summer.

At the very least, they may have a replacement for one or both. The Lakers took Jalen Hood-Schifino, a guard out of Indiana University, with the No. 17 pick in Thursday’s draft.