Three Teams Express Interest in Trading for Lakers’ $17 Million Guard: Report
By Austin Boyd, Athlon Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have made some solid picks in the NBA draft under general manager Rob Pelinka, but their 2023 first-round selection, Jalen Hood-Schifino, seems to be a misstep.
After participating in only 21 games last season, expectations were that he would earn a spot in the rotation this year. However, that has not happened.
Hood-Schifino has yet to play a game this season, and even Bronny James has logged more playing time. This situation prompted the Lakers to decline his third-year option, meaning he will enter free agency after this season.
Given this scenario, Los Angeles might look into trading him. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer stated that at least three teams have shown interest in the guard.
“Atlanta [Hawks] showed interest in him during last year’s talks involving Dejounte [Murray],” Fischer mentioned in a recent live stream, per Silver Screen & Roll. “Utah [Jazz], to my understanding, has been interested in discussions related to Walker Kessler. Brooklyn [Nets] is another team I’ve heard is interested. So keep an eye on Jalen Hood-Schifino as a potential trade candidate with an expiring contract.”
Hood-Schifino still holds some value in the league, but it’s evident that his current situation in Los Angeles isn’t working out. A move to a younger team like the Utah Jazz might give him the playing time he needs to improve his skills.