Jalen Hood-Schifino Will Have to Shine to Break Lakers' Rotation

There’s no question new Lakers’ guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has talent.

At 6-foot-6, the point guard has a poke-and-prod style of driving and slashing and a smooth pull-up jumper, two skills that are sure to make him a potent option at the next level. Even more, he’s a pick-and-roll maestro, and stood out among his peers as a two-way option for Indiana in his lone collegiate season.

Regardless, the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is going to have his work cut out for him in cracking his way into the team’s rotation.

For starters, the Lakers had a decent offseason, especially in terms of guards. They re-signed two of their top scoring options — save for LeBron James and Anthony Davis — in D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Both of which who are likely to start next season.

They also added point guard Gabe Vincent on a cost effective deal. Vincent, who toggles between point and shooting guard as a talented shot-maker, was pivotal to the Heat’s run to the Finals just a few short months ago. Now, he’s likely set to see a major bench role for Los Angeles.

And finally, there’s sophomore Max Christie, who may be set to see a breakout season for LA should things fall in his favor. At Summer League, Christie stood head and shoulders above the crowd. And while he might not make a league-shattering impact for the Lakers, he could very well weave his way into coveted guard minutes in year two.

There’s, of course, going to be minutes to allot to Hood-Schifino, and ones that could work out just fine. But in order to earn legitimately valuable playing time, especially down the stretch, Hood-Schifino is going to have to impress.

And with a clear NBA skillset and a talented coaching staff ready to assist him, he just might.