The Lakers will let Jalen Hood-Schifino become a “free agent”

Unlike some comrades in the 2023 Draft, like Victor Wembanyama or Bilal Coulibaly, Jalen Hood Schifino was in the dark regarding his future in the NBA, since his team, in this case the Lakersactivate the third year of his contract.

Gold, ESPN reports that the leaders of Los Angeles have decided not to validate this “team option” for 2025/26 and, therefore, the 21-year-old leader will probably not stay in California beyond the current season. It will become free agent unprotected next summer.

A choice primarily motivated by money, since by saving Jalen Hood-Schifino's $4.1 million salary, the Lakers will offer themselves a little financial flexibility, which is not negligible when we know that their finances are already in the red.

Selected in 17th position in the 2023 Draft (ahead of Jaime Jaquez Jr, Brandin Podziemski and Cam Whitmore…), after leaving Indiana University, “JHS” only played 21 games last season (for 1.6 points , 0.6 rebound and 0.4 assist…) and he has not yet come into play in 2024/25. We should see him mainly in the G-League alongside Bronny James in the coming weeks.

Team option : possibility for a team to activate (or not) the last year of the contract of one of its players, so that he ends his lease or becomes free agent a year in advance.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.