The Lakers’ necessity to improve via trade is evident early on this season. Even with a 4-2 start, GM Rob Pelinka is searching for players who fit the Lakers’ identity and other teams who are willing to trade with them. That second part may have gotten easier with new intel about a current Laker.
Lakers Rumors: Former First-Round Pick Garnering Trade Interest
Teams Looking at Second-Year Laker
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, several teams are interested in Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who the team drafted 17th overall in 2023. Fischer shared details during his “NBA Insider Notebook” livestream on Friday.
“He will be playing in the G League this year, and he’ll have plenty of opportunity to showcase himself, both in the G League in general and at the G League showcase when the entire league descends upon Orlando in December. Atlanta had an interest in him in that talk with Dejounte Murray last year. Utah, I believe, has shown interest in him.”
FanDuel Sportsbook NBA insider Jakoba Reynolds doubled down on Utah’s rumored interest, calling them “a strong suitor” for Hood-Schifino.
The Utah Jazz have expressed interest in acquiring Los Angeles Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, sources tell @FDSportsbook. The Lakers reportedly are actively exploring trade opportunities, as Jalen has drawn attention from several teams, with Utah emerging as a strong suitor. https://t.co/D27aosTFCn
— Jakoba Reynolds (@JakobaReynolds) November 2, 2024
The news comes days after the Lakers declined Hood-Schifino’s $4 million team option for the 2025-26 season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the decision was a cost-cutting move by LA that “creates roster flexibility” heading into the 2025 offseason.
Is Moving on the Right Decision?
Though the Lakers haven’t technically put anyone on the trade block, Hood-Schifino would logically be one of the first players to be there. The Indiana product came into the league with flashes of potential as a 6’6” floor general. He averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Hoosiers in his lone year with the program.
Upon joining the Lakers, many expected Hood-Schifino to develop into a rotation player who could add depth at the point guard slot. However, a knee injury sidelined him for much of his rookie year. And when he was on the floor, he was very inefficient. JHS averaged 1.6 points (22% FG), 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists across 21 games. He last played on Mar. 6, a couple weeks before he underwent season-ending back surgery.
With the Lakers basically all set at point guard—headlined by D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, occasionally Austin Reaves, and possibly Bronny James—the team is right to move on from Hood-Schifino, giving him a necessary change of scenery that could benefit him and his career. Whether it’s Atlanta, Utah, or any other team, Hood-Schifino could make an impact as a talented scorer and intelligent facilitator.
G League Can Help JHS’s Case
Though JHS has been unable to compete in the NBA, he had a very productive season for the G League’s South Bay Lakers. In 15 games, he put up 22 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists on .473/.432/.800 splits. His best game was a 38-point outburst against the Austin Spurs, where he drilled a career-high five three-pointers. As Fischer mentioned, Hood-Schifino should find similar success this season now that he’s healthy, a key component in rival GMs drawing interest in the 21-year-old and his availability as a possible trade piece and pending free agent.
Not All Hope Lost
Despite all the doubt and newfound trade talks, head coach JJ Redick has reiterated his belief in the second-year point guard.
JJ Redick on JHS: “I still believe in Jalen. We haven’t given up on him.”
Redick notes that the Lakers wanted more flexibility for next offseason. They also want to give JHS a chance to get more reps and develop with South Bay this season and into next summer.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 1, 2024
If all goes well in JHS’s development, that could benefit several parties involved. Hood-Schifino could legitimately prove himself as a reliable player post-surgery; the Lakers could be moved to find some more opportunities for him; and rival teams could pay closer attention to him as he prepares for unrestricted free agency.
Regardless, the latest news about Hood-Schifino may not be that surprising, but it opens up a dialogue on ways the Lakers could help him and themselves as the season progresses.
