Jalen Hood-Schifino Fully Healthy Following Back Surgery
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) has recovered from surgery and is expected to "be ready to compete for minutes from the start" in 2024-25, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Hood-Schifino underwent lumbar microdiscectomy back surgery in March. He was limited to 21 appearances during his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old, who was the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, mostly picked up action in garbage time and averaged only 5.2 minutes per game. He appears set for a more significant role in 2024-25, although there are quite a few bodies in front of Hood-Schifino on the depth chart, and it will be tough for him to get regular playing time.
Jalen Hood-Schifino Listed As Questionable On Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's encounter with Utah. The 17th pick from this year's draft has yet to play in 2023-24 and could have his NBA debut further delayed as Hood-Schifino deals with a right patella contusion. He was listed as available for Sunday's matchup against Houston but didn't see any time on the court. The Lakers could always use some extra playmaking, and it would be exciting to see Hood-Schifino in action, but he needs to get healthy first.
