Lakers News: LA Picks Indiana Star Jalen Hood-Schifino in Round 1 of 2023 Draft

A new guard on the way to Los Angeles!

Your Los Angeles Lakers were involved in plenty of trade rumors leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft and seeing that they hadn't been able to hold onto their own first-round pick in quite some time, it was very special to see them finally claim their rights to their number 17 selection.

By the time they got there, plenty of their previous targets such as Dereck Lively II, Keyonte George and more had already been selected. Therefore, the Lakers decided to roll with an electric guard out of Indiana by the name of Jalen Hood-Schifino!

The news was first shared by Shams Charania.

Sources: Lakers are selecting Jalen Hood-Schifino at No. 17. https://t.co/Z8rZKX2Rl3

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023

Hood-Schifino was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was able to post averages of 13.5 points per game to go with about four rebounds a game. He stands at 6'6 and weighs in at 215 lbs, giving him a very solid frame entering his rookie year already.

His jumpsuit will certainly need work seeing that he shot just 33 percent from deep in his lone year at Indiana but when you mix in his ball-handling, rim attacking, and overall feel for the game, the Lakers certainly have a nice young talent on their hands.

Jalen Hood-Schifino gonna show out in LA 😎 pic.twitter.com/bElgix1063

— Overtime (@overtime) June 23, 2023

The decision-making is going to be huge as he makes his way through the Lakers system. We've already seen a number of polished guards only get better as they send time in the summer league and G-League such as Austin Reaves, Max Christie and Alex Caruso.

A lot of Lakers fans were calling for Cam Whitmore to be taken with their number 17 pick but there seems to be concerns regarding his health and that is why so many teams were scared to take him early.

With Cam Whitmore falling out of the lottery, my understanding is there's a palpable trepidation surrounding his medicals that's contributed to this slide. That chatter grew louder behind the scenes today. Whitmore could still be a real value pick for whoever grabs him.

— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 23, 2023

"With Cam Whitmore falling out of the lottery, my understanding is there's a palpable trepidation surrounding his medicals that's contributed to this slide. That chatter grew louder behind the scenes today. Whitmore could still be a real value pick for whoever grabs him."

The Lakers' social media wasted no time welcoming him to his new squad!

With the 17th pick, the Lakers select @jalenhs pic.twitter.com/sA9fAxm5gV

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 23, 2023

We cannot wait to see him get going for us!

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!