Lakers News: LA Had Opportunity To Trade Down In Draft With Western Conference Rival

Should they have made a trade?

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA Draft with all sorts of options. They could trade their first round pick, trade down for extra draft capital or attach it as apart of a trade to net them a veteran player. The team made their intentions clear Thursday night, selecting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino from Indiana University.

However, the Lakers did have a chance to make a trade as Yahoo NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that the Houston Rockets contacted the Lakers on a potential deal.

The Rockets have called Lakers, Heat and Warriors, at picks Nos. 17, 18, 19, sources said, but won't tell rival front offices who Houston is targeting with a potential trade up from No. 20.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 23, 2023

LA passed on making a deal, which has left many fans wondering why. But the team has earned the trust of the fans to make the correct decision. Maybe teams were asking for too much or maybe the Lakers just really liked Hood-Schifino.

While he isn't the greatest shooter from distance, he does do a lot of the little things. He is a big, versatile defender which is exactly the type of guard that LA needs. He is 6-foot-6 and plays strong defense. Hood-Schifino also thrives in the mid-range and uses his length to his advantage to get to the hole.   

LA needed a player like this, especially as a backup option is a guy like Dennis Schröder were to leave in free agency. The Lakers scouting department has shown an ability to make the right decision, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time.

FWIW: The one player that I consistently heard from NBA people, workout people etc., who was better than they expected in pre-draft workouts was - Jalen Hood Schifino.

Think he is going to be an excellent pro.

Lakers got a good one 😏😏

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) June 23, 2023

Trust in Rob Pelinka and company Laker fans. This is a solid pick and a move that will only help the Lakers build their roster out for next season.

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