Days before the 2023 NBA Draft, rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers’ status continued to emerge, with reports they were very likely going to trade the 17th overall pick in a win-now move. While that did not happen, they did manage to move up in the second round, sending the 47th pick and $4.35 million in cash considerations to the Utah Jazz for the 40th pick.
The Lakers drafted two standout players—Indiana point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino at #17 and Pepperdine wing Maxwell Lewis at #40—to add to their championship-caliber roster, with the potential of fitting right into the purple and gold’s plans.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
An explosive guard who averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on 41-33-77 shooting splits, Hood-Schifino was named Big 10 Freshman of the Year and brings a lot of skills to the table. JHS is a skilled operator in the pick-and-roll who can set himself and his teammates up for success. He’s adept at running fast breaks—a key skill needed for a Lakers team that’s constantly running on the offensive end—and can hit the midrange jumper consistently, too. His court vision looks excellent at 6-foot-5 and will be pivotal next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis if he can get minutes next to them.
As Kevin Nivek mentioned in his scouting report of Hood-Schifino, improving on his three-point shot will be essential if he wants to really earn that “three-level scorer” label. However, he brings plenty of positives to the Lakers—none more important than his mindset.
General Manager Rob Pelinka touched on Hood-Schifino’s mentality in his post-draft press conference.
“His Mamba Mentality is a code that [Hood-Schifino] has lived by,” he said. “You could tell he didn’t throw that out because it was a Lakers interview. It felt from the heart.”
Adding someone with that type of mindset and “lottery-level talent” speaks volumes to the impact that JHS will have on the Lakers. Though minutes may be hard to come by if the Lakers bring back D’Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder, and Austin Reaves in free agency, his development will still be pivotal for LA’s guard rotation. There’s no doubt he can step up under bright lights if his number is called.
Maxwell Lewis
Lewis is staying home after the Lakers drafted him in the second round. The Pepperdine star averaged 17 points per game while shooting nearly 47% from the field and 35% from three, and he fills a major need for the Lakers: wing depth.
As I mentioned in my evaluation of Lewis’s game, he’s a quick and athletic forward who can score from all three levels and hold his own defensively. Though it remains to be seen if he can gain rotational minutes under head coach Darvin Ham, Lewis brings much-needed length and versatility on both ends of the floor that makes him a good candidate as a ninth or tenth man in the regular-season rotation if need be. In a time when the Lakers are relying on veterans in the frontcourt, having someone with Lewis’s youth and energy will be key heading into next season. Though he has work to do in terms of shot selection and defense, there’s a good chance his current play has made an impression on Ham and his coaching staff. Like Hood-Schifino, Lewis will also be ready for his moment, whenever it comes
After the Draft
Aside from JHS and Lewis, the Lakers also made notable transactions after the draft was over, bringing in several more rookies who will have to prove themselves in Summer League and training camp. Florida center Colin Castleton and Missouri guard D’Moi Hodge will be joining the team via their two available two-way contracts.
Colin Castleton
Castleton, though recovering from a broken hand, is a 6-foot-11, 231-pound big who produces well on both ends of the floor. Prior to the injury, he averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field, 13% from three, and 73% from the stripe. Defensively, he has shown plenty of versatility, often going out and guarding the perimeter and staying in front of his man easily. As mentioned earlier, his three blocks per game is no fluke, as his 7-foot-4 wingspan strikes fear into the hearts of opponents who drive to the basket.
Castleton has also shown some craftiness on the offensive end, finishing easy looks at the rim and creating his own opportunities with a decent handle. Additionally, he stands out as a playmaking big, having averaged 2.7 assists per game with the Gators and firing some neat dimes during the G League Elite Camp. His astounding play at Florida earned him All-SEC First Team and All-SEC Defensive Team honors and has led him to the Lakers, where he can thrive as a young center.
D’Moi Hodge
Hodge is an athletic 3-and-D guard who brings it on both ends. The 6-foot-4 guard from Missouri averaged 14.7 points per game on 47-40-73 splits and earned a spot on the All-SEC Tournament team. Hodge has been praised for his effort on defense, averaging 3.1 stocks (steals + blocks) per game and serving as a point-of-attack defender. Offensively, Hodge is a proven scorer who jumps out as a slasher and effective three-point shooter. He gave out buckets whenever he could, as exhibited in a 23-point performance against Utah State in March. He’ll have to improve on his shot creation and playmaking, but he holds a ton of upside right now. The Lakers made a great bet in signing him to a two-way spot.
Exhibit 10 Signings
At the time of writing, it’s confirmed that Florida forward Alex Fudge and TCU guard Damion Baugh have each signed an Exhibit 10 contract with LA. An “Exhibit 10” is a non-guaranteed, one-year minimum deal that can be converted to a two-way contract before the season starts.
Fudge is an athletic, wiry forward at 6-foot-8 and 195 pounds. He only averaged 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds on less-than-desired splits (40% FG, 23% 3PT, 59% FT) but has room to grow in a patient organization. Fudge has tremendous energy and is certainly a lob threat, but he definitely relies on a good facilitator as opposed to generating his own looks. He is also quick to collect steals and blocks and start Florida’s fast breaks. With time, Fudge can certainly develop into an NBA-level wing, whether that’s ultimately with the Lakers or elsewhere.
An athletic combo guard at 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Baugh averaged 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Horned Frogs on 43-44-70 splits. He stuffs the stat sheet on both ends, having dropped 25 points and 7 steals against Iowa State last year. He’s capable of attacking off the dribble and frequently generates good looks for himself or his teammates. Baugh has to improve on his three-point shooting and ball security but otherwise should have an easier time adjusting to the NBA and/or G League.
The Last Word on the Lakers Rookies
The Lakers have brought in five rookies who have the chance to thrive with proper development. LA’s scouts have found a goldmine of prospects in years past, and this time feels no different. Their new players have an opportunity to learn from one of the best organizations in sports, having a front-row seat to greatness and potentially, another championship run.
