The Los Angeles Lakers had pick No. 17 in the 2023 NBA Draft. Many people expected the team to trade the pick, but it seems as though the team decided to draft a prospect instead.

Guard Jalen Hood-Schifino was the Lakers’ pick at No. 17, and this is definitely an interesting choice. Though he isn’t necessarily an elite shooter from the 3PT range, he is a quality midrange player and has good defense and a feel for the game.

 

There is still a chance that Jalen Hood-Schifino gets traded in the future, but if the Lakers keep him, he has a good chance of becoming an elite guard. His physical tools are fairly impressive: he is 6’4″ with a 6’10” wingspan, and his perimeter defense should ensure that he is a day one contributor to the team. The team notably has a void at guard with Dennis Schroder and D’Angelo Russell being free agents, and perhaps we’ll see Hood-Schifino play a prominent role for the team next year.

This past season with the Indiana Hoosiers, Jalen Hood-Schifino averaged 13.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 3.7 APG while shooting 33.3% from 3PT range. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in the league, and hopefully, he has a good year with the Lakers.