Rare Move! Why Are the Lakers Giving Up on 21-Year-Old Jalen Hood-Schifino?

The NBA season has barely begun, and the Los Angeles Lakers have already made a significant decision regarding their young guard Jalen Hood-Schifino. According to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers no longer view Hood-Schifino as part of their future plans. This means the Lakers have decided not to pick up his third-year team option, essentially ending his stint with the team far earlier than expected. Such an early decision on a young, first-round pick is unusual, especially for a player chosen as high as 17th overall in the 2023 draft. So, what led the Lakers to this point, and what does it mean for Hood-Schifino’s career?

Why the Lakers Are Moving On So Soon

The Lakers’ decision to decline Hood-Schifino's third-year option comes down to one simple reason: he has not performed up to expectations. Since his selection in the first round, Hood-Schifino has struggled to find his place within the Lakers’ system, both offensively and defensively. In his NBA career so far, he’s played in only 21 regular-season games, all last season, where his statistics fell far below the standards typically expected of a first-round pick. His total contributions during these games add up to a mere 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, with 13 fouls and 9 turnovers. With a field-goal percentage of only 22.2% and a three-point percentage of just 13.3%, it’s clear that Hood-Schifino has not been able to showcase the skillset that the Lakers had initially hoped for.

When comparing Hood-Schifino’s rookie stats with other players from his draft class, the gap in production becomes even more apparent. Players picked right around him, like Keyonte George (16th overall), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18th overall), and Brandin Podziemski (19th overall), have each carved out meaningful roles on their respective teams. For example, George is averaging 13.0 points per game with a shooting percentage close to 40%, while Jaquez Jr. has put up 11.9 points per game on an impressive 48.9% shooting percentage. Even players drafted after Hood-Schifino have outperformed him by a significant margin, which makes the Lakers’ decision to cut him loose seem more understandable.

The Frustration Continues into Preseason

Although Hood-Schifino dealt with some injury challenges in his rookie season, Lakers fans and the coaching staff hoped his second year would offer a fresh start. However, in the 2024 preseason, where he was healthy and participated in all six games, Hood-Schifino’s performances still left much to be desired. Averaging 19.8 minutes per game, he put up just 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting a lowly 28.6% from the field and an abysmal 10% from three-point range. This lackluster preseason solidified the Lakers’ decision, as Hood-Schifino failed to demonstrate improvement even when given ample opportunity.

One standout game in the preseason against the Golden State Warriors demonstrated just how deep his struggles ran. He played 13 minutes, missed all six of his field-goal attempts, and scored just one point on a free throw. In another matchup against the Phoenix Suns, he managed only 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting. And in his final preseason game, again against the Warriors, where he started and played for 32 minutes—ample time to make an impression—Hood-Schifino shot only 30% from the field with six points, three rebounds, and seven assists, countered by six turnovers.

Comparing to Peers: Hood-Schifino Versus Other Young Talent

The stark contrast between Hood-Schifino’s stats and those of his peers only amplifies the Lakers’ disappointment. As a 17th pick, the Lakers had hoped he could at least match the production of nearby selections, such as Kris Murray (16th), Brandin Podziemski (19th), and Cam Whitmore (20th). While Whitmore and Podziemski have already claimed consistent spots in their teams’ rotations, even making all-rookie teams, Hood-Schifino's underwhelming production has pushed him farther down the pecking order.

One particularly harsh comparison is with the 2024 17th overall pick, Brice Sensabaugh, who has already displayed the consistency and versatility that Hood-Schifino lacks. Sensabaugh’s debut has shown he is an instant-impact player, scoring at will and adjusting to the NBA's physicality—qualities Hood-Schifino has yet to demonstrate.

Unfulfilled Potential: Where Did It Go Wrong?

To be fair, Hood-Schifino possesses undeniable physical tools. Standing at 6’4” with a 6’10” wingspan, he has the build to be an impactful guard. However, his lack of court awareness, poor decision-making, and inconsistent shooting have undermined his potential. Hood-Schifino's preseason games were riddled with errors, ranging from unforced turnovers to defensive lapses. In one game alone, he committed a five-second violation on an inbounds play, a walking violation, and an error in hand-off passing—a series of mistakes not typically expected from even a sophomore player.

Hood-Schifino’s lack of development is a hard reality for the Lakers, especially given his potential ceiling. While he has the height and wingspan to guard multiple positions and a respectable handle for a guard, his limited shooting ability and high turnover rate counter any strengths he brings to the floor. This combination of underdeveloped basketball IQ and fundamental issues forced the Lakers to reevaluate their investment in him.

A Rare Decision: Moving On from a First-Round Pick Early

It's unusual for teams to cut ties with first-round picks so quickly. Many franchises are hesitant to abandon potential, especially when a player shows physical promise. However, the Lakers' decision to move on from Hood-Schifino signals a shift in philosophy; they are unwilling to invest more resources in a player who shows limited return on investment. Given that NBA teams typically reserve four years for first-round picks to develop, Hood-Schifino’s early exit is indeed a rare move, highlighting the Lakers’ belief that his flaws may not be easily corrected.

The Lakers’ Roster Considerations and Next Steps

The decision to move on from Hood-Schifino could be tied to the Lakers’ immediate need for reliable production from their bench unit. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis both in their 30s, the Lakers need a supporting cast that can produce consistently and support their aging superstars. Hood-Schifino’s struggles to establish himself as a reliable rotation player left the Lakers little choice but to look elsewhere for a younger talent who can contribute right away.

Although Hood-Schifino is now available, his youth and size may attract interest from other teams willing to gamble on his potential. However, his weak track record so far suggests that any team signing him may be taking a risk, as he has yet to display even the basic competencies required for a backup NBA guard. Still, in a league where teams are constantly looking to fill rotation spots with cheap, young players, it is possible that a franchise will be willing to take a chance on him as a developmental project.

Hood-Schifino’s brief tenure with the Lakers highlights the unique challenges of scouting, developing, and ultimately investing in young players. For a first-round pick to be released so early is almost unheard of, yet his case serves as a reminder that physical tools alone do not guarantee success in the NBA.