BA Rumors: LA Lakers Staff Considered Jaime Jaquez Jr., Opted for High Risk with Jalen Hood-Schifino”
The LA Lakers had the chance to secure an impressive rookie in Jaime Jaquez Jr. this season but ultimately chose Jalen Hood-Schifino in the 2023 NBA Draft. League sources reveal that there were individuals within the Lakers organization who favored drafting the former UCLA player. However, circumstances changed, and the Lakers missed the opportunity to acquire a standout rookie.
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LA Lakers
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has become a fan favorite in his first year as a professional basketball player, consistently dazzling fans. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, the forward currently ranks third in the Rookie of the Year race behind Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama.
In contrast, Jalen Hood-Schifino has had limited opportunities with the Lakers this season, starting with a significant number of Did Not Play (DNPs) and only recently becoming part of the rotation. The rookie has played in just seven games.
During the 2023 NBA Draft, the Lakers held the 17th pick and selected Hood-Schifino. The Miami Heat, with the 18th pick, swiftly picked Jaquez.
A Western Conference executive expresses the sentiment that the Lakers missed a golden opportunity, noting that Jaquez, a tough and ready-to-contribute player, was the perfect fit for the team’s needs. The Lakers often opt for big swings rather than safe bets in their draft choices, and this approach led them to Hood-Schifino. However, the executive believes they needed players who could make an immediate impact, highlighting Jaquez’s impressive performance.
The Lakers’ struggles this season are further emphasized, and the narrative suggests that their campaign could have looked more promising with the versatile wing Jaquez on their roster.
Additionally, the upcoming game against the Miami Heat will see the Lakers facing the absence of star player Jimmy Butler, who is dealing with a foot injury. This marks the 10th game that Butler will miss, potentially impacting his eligibility for regular-season awards if he surpasses the seven-game absence threshold.
