Lakers GM calls first-round pick 'very special'

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday night. 

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound point guard could be thrust into a major role during his rookie campaign if the Lakers lose Dennis Schroder and D'Angelo Russell, both of whom are unrestricted free agents. 

With depth at point guard being a potential issue and the Lakers in win-now mode with 38-year-old Lebron James, the Lakers believe Hood-Schifino can contribute in a variety of ways from the onset. 

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said Hood-Schifino can play on the ball and is really good in the pick-and-roll game and believes he has a mid-range prowess.  

"It was really clear to us right away that Jalen had unbelievable composure, a deep knowledge of the game," Pelinka said. "Understood how to make reads as a point guard. He's really special in transition when he has the ball in his hands." 

Hood-Schifino was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Pelinka called him a "lottery-level talent."

“He’s special. Very special,” Pelinka shared, per the Los Angeles Times. “They got a well-rounded young man that works his ass off on the floor. He’s a good young man off the floor. That’s it more than anything. The kid was just a pro. In college. I’m like, ‘How in the hell can this guy be this mature?’

The good news for Hood-Schifino is it doesn't sound like the Lakers want to overhaul anything he does. It just so happens his strengths mesh nicely with the Lakers' scheme.  

"If you look at our effectiveness last year with having multiple ball handlers, multiple guys that could make plays in the pick and roll, it worked really well," Pelinka said. "I think he's another player like that."

The Lakers could use a player with more fight and tenacity. They looked weak and sluggish in the Western Conference Finals, a series the Denver Nuggets won with a 4-0 sweep.

"I’m going to bring it every day, work hard and I think I check a lot of boxes,” Hood-Schifino said. 

Hood-Schifino is ready to hit the ground running, but can he really be a key difference-maker in L.A. next season? Only time will tell.