Lakers News: Why Jalen Hood-Schifino Should Not Be Included in Trade Talks

Nothing but potential here!

NBA Twitter is going to be as active as ever these next couple of days as we will be in the heart of 2023 free agency and fans will not only be reacting to the biggest moves but also trying to predict them before they even happen. Being one of the biggest sports franchises in the world, your Los Angeles Lakers get linked to a number of blockbuster moves all the time and this offseason is no different.

Rob Pelinka has made it very clear that LA is looking to take things a step further next year and make it to the NBA Finals. He also assured that the organization wants to keep their main core from last season and make marginal upgrades in certain areas. However, like former Laker Kyle Kuzma said, the Lakers have planned for similar things in the past and then opted to go in a complete different direction.

Heard that before 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/pBgwCp0HAV

— kuz (@kylekuzma) May 23, 2023

Trades... Always Trades In LA!

And an idea that I am starting to see grow some traction as of late is that LA should consider packaging up new rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino with some of their veterans such as Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley to welcome in a win-now player. However, this should be shut down before the Lakers' front office even starts to mull it over.

Let's fast forward a bit and look ahead to two years from now. LeBron James' contract with the Lakers will officially be over, Anthony Davis will be coming off of his final year of his deal as well and Los Angeles will have to assess how to move forward with their franchise. Fino is their highest draft pick that they're welcoming in since they selected Lonzo Ball with the number two pick back in 2017 and he has the potential to be a legit two-way point guard in this league.

Jalen Hood-Schifino been a Laker since his IU commitment. Go be great! #iubb

Your time is now pic.twitter.com/Wa3SZMlJzs

— HoosierGolfBag (@HoosierGolfBag) June 23, 2023

Give Him A Chance!

The 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists and outside of a jumpshot that is viewed as a work in progress, he does not have many flaws in his game. Experts are already raving about his comfortability in pick and roll situations and we're going to get a first look at him next week in the summer league.

I am not labeling Fino a bonafide superstar just yet or saying he should be untouchable... if LA was to receive a call and get offered a name that truly would take them over the top, their front office will know if it's truly worth it.

But seeing that they did not package up their number 17 first rounder this year and instead selected a 6'6 point guard out of Indiana, I think they are preparing for their future while they get ready for this coming season. There is going to be life after LeBron James folks and who knows... it very well could be Fino leading the charge at some point.