The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to move on from their 2023 first-round pick and could explore trading him to secure a significant upgrade.
The Lakers, led by coach JJ Redick, have demonstrated their competitiveness in the Western Conference, especially considering the hurdles coach Darvin Ham faced last season. After starting strong with a 4-2 record, the Lakers are now looking to enhance their roster by moving some underperforming players. It has been confirmed that they are willing to part ways with Jalen Hood-Schifino, their No. 17 overall pick from last year’s Draft.
Hood-Schifino, who has averaged 1.6 points over 21 games with the Lakers in the 2023-24 season, is a 6’6″ combo guard with potential in the NBA. However, the Lakers appear to lack the time and resources to develop him further. At 21 years old, he has the upside that led to his selection ahead of players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski, but his future could depend on another team taking a chance on him.
The Lakers are actively exploring trade options to acquire rotational players, potentially including Schifino and other assets. Below are three players they might target in such a deal.
The Lakers have been linked to Walker Kessler, the 22-year-old center from the Utah Jazz, who has reportedly been made available in trade talks, albeit at a high asking price. The Jazz are seeking at least two first-round picks for Kessler, given his youth and the remaining two years on his affordable sub-$3 million contract, making him an attractive asset for a team looking to contend now.
Kessler has been averaging 9.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks to start the season, making noticeable improvements offensively while solidifying his defensive prowess as one of the top shot-blockers in the NBA. Despite being acquired by the Jazz as a throw-in during the Rudy Gobert trade, Kessler has proven himself as a highly skilled shot-blocker, even if he’s still limited offensively.
For Hood-Schifino, Utah could be a good landing spot to help him develop, which could prove valuable for the Jazz. If they can unlock Schifino’s potential, they could later flip him, thanks to his high ceiling and ball-handling skills. Maxwell Lewis, another low-floor, high-ceiling player on the roster, would also provide the Jazz with two developmental pieces along with two valuable first-round picks.
Under Redick’s leadership, the Lakers have revitalized their offensive game, but the rookie head coach still needs to find a defensive strategy that doesn’t rely too heavily on Anthony Davis for rim protection. The Lakers lack reliable point-of-attack defenders, especially with Jarred Vanderbilt’s ongoing injury issues. What the Lakers need is a perimeter defender who can funnel players into Davis, and Marcus Smart could be the ideal candidate.
Smart has struggled early in the 2024-25 season, posting averages of 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting a dismal 23.5% from the field. Despite his offensive struggles, Smart is capable of returning to form as the season progresses. For now, however, he’s been difficult to play for the Memphis Grizzlies and may be traded for an offensive asset before the new year.
D’Angelo Russell, on the other hand, would provide the Grizzlies with an offensive guard on an expiring contract, giving them more flexibility compared to Smart, who has two years remaining on his deal. While Russell’s value around the league has been low, Smart’s slow start could make him an appealing option for Memphis, while the Lakers would add a defensive player who fits their needs.