The Lakers just made a bold move, and it’s got everyone talking.
Lakers’ Roster Shake-Up: Bye-Bye to Hood-Schifino?
So, the Lakers decided to pass on Jalen Hood-Schifino’s third-year rookie option, which means he’s gonna be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. This move isn’t just about Hood-Schifino, though; it’s all about giving the Lakers some wiggle room with their roster. With $176 million already locked in for next season, they’re just $10 million shy of hitting that dreaded tax threshold. It’s like playing a game of salary cap Tetris, and Hood-Schifino’s contract was the piece that didn’t quite fit.
If he gets traded this season, the team picking him up can’t offer more than that declined $4 million option. It’s a bit like having a clearance sale on a player. But hey, sometimes you gotta make those tough calls to keep the books balanced.
Rough Rookie Ride for Hood-Schifino
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s NBA journey so far has been, well, a bit of a rollercoaster. Drafted 17th overall in 2023 after lighting it up at Indiana, his rookie season was marred by injuries. First, it was a knee issue in preseason, and then a back injury that required surgery. Talk about bad luck! He only managed to play 21 games, averaging a modest 1.6 points and 0.6 rebounds. Not exactly Rookie of the Year numbers, but hey, everyone loves a comeback story, right?
In my opinion, the kid’s got potential. I mean, he did drop a career-high 10 points against the Pistons last November. Not too shabby for someone who’s spent more time with the medical staff than on the court.
Teammate Love and Trade Talk
Despite the injuries and limited playtime, Hood-Schifino had some solid backing from his teammates. D’Angelo Russell once said, “Jalen played really well today. Competitive. Made shots. Got after it.” And Austin Reaves chimed in with praise for his development as a combo guard. It’s like having your buddies cheer you on from the sidelines, even when you’re down.
But let’s be real, with his preseason performance being a bit underwhelming, averaging 4.5 points and 3.8 assists, the trade rumors are swirling. Could he be on the move? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think? Will Hood-Schifino find his groove with another team, or is there still hope for him in LA?
