The Los Angeles Lakers have declined the third-year team option on Jalen Hood-Schifino’s rookie contract, making the former Indiana Hoosier an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. The decision, which saves the Lakers $4 million, signals the franchise’s focus on roster flexibility and performance-driven adjustments.
Hood-Schifino, 21, was selected 17th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft following a standout college career at Indiana. However, his transition to the NBA has been challenging. In his rookie season, he appeared in only 21 games, averaging 1.6 points and 0.6 rebounds over limited minutes. Struggles with efficiency and turnovers marred his performance, as he shot just 22.2% from the field and recorded more turnovers than assists. This season, he has yet to log any NBA playing time.
Despite these difficulties at the NBA level, Hood-Schifino excelled in the G League, where he averaged 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on efficient shooting splits. However, those performances weren’t enough to earn him a consistent role with the Lakers, a team with high competitive demands and playoff aspirations.
The Lakers’ decision may also reflect the success of other players from the same draft class. Notably, the three players selected immediately after Hood-Schifino—Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandin Podziemski, and Cam Whitmore—have already established themselves as key contributors for their respective teams.
Hood-Schifino now faces a pivotal offseason where he will have the chance to reset his career trajectory. Other teams could show interest in his potential, particularly given his G League success. For the Lakers, declining the option allows them to explore other roster improvements while maintaining financial flexibility.
