The Lakers’ decision to decline Jalen Hood-Schifino’s third-year option is a strong signal about their outlook on the young guard’s potential. For a first-round pick — especially one selected at No. 17 — getting his option declined this early is rare, and it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence about his standing in L.A.’s plans.
The news of the Lakers’ decision was first reported by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Now, Hood-Schifino is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and the Lakers (or any other team he’s with by then) will be limited in what they can offer. Rivals, meanwhile, could come in with bigger numbers if they see potential.
Hood-Schifino’s rookie campaign didn’t give the Lakers much to build on. Battling injuries and a lack of rhythm, he barely saw the floor, logging only 109 total minutes across 21 games and shooting a tough 22.2% in those limited minutes.
While he did find success in the G League with the South Bay Lakers — averaging 22 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and 43% from three — turnovers were still an issue, and it didn’t translate to time in the NBA rotation.
In hindsight, the decision to take Hood-Schifino at 17 is beginning to look shaky. Jaime Jaquez, Brandin Podziemski, and Cam Whitmore — selected immediately after — are already contributing meaningful minutes on competitive teams. Jaquez and Podziemski even made the All-Rookie First Team last season.
Hood-Schifino is only 21, but with no minutes to start the 2024-25 season, his future with the Lakers looks uncertain at best. Right now, he’s simply running out of time to make his case.
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