Lakers News: NBA Twitter Analyzes Jalen Hood-Schifino's LA Debut

Overall a solid day for the rookie.

The Los Angeles Lakers Summer League schedule started a few days ago as it saw the team get taken down by the Miami Heat. But despite the loss, there were real positives from the game that showed some optimism for some of the young players on the roster. One player in particular was of interest as the game started and that was first round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino. 

He finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists for the game. His shot wasn't falling for much of the matchup but he did other things on the court that showed his potential. You could see his defensive instincts were there and his handling of running the offense was strong. The point guard controlled the pace of the game well and started to become more aggressive as the second half started., 

LA drafted Hood-Schifino because they saw his fit as a bigger, versatile point guard who could fit in well with the team. If his first summer league game was any example, I'd say that the scouting department hit again.

Jalen Hood Schifino early first game notes.

Strengths: first step, Court vision, finishing at the rim, on ball Defense and Mid range game

Weakness: Three point shooting( will improve the form is nice) indecisive at times.

I’d say it was a solid showing overall! pic.twitter.com/aZ8FQgElnL

— DTLF (@DantheLakersFAN) July 3, 2023

It was only his first game in Summer League and it looked like nerves may have gotten the best of him in the first half. His shot looked a bit flat but you could see the potential there even if they weren't falling. 

His instincts with the basketball in his hand was the biggest takeaway for me. You could see why the Lakers made him a first round pick.

However, one area that he will need to work on is his on ball perimeter defense. He wasn't terrible at this against the Heat but it is something that he will need to improve as the summer goes on. Hood-Schifino has plenty of time to work on this and hopefully we can see another solid game from him in the teams second Summer League game against the San Antonio Spurs.

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