Young Laker Receiving Strong Trade Interest Early on in Season

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a good start to the season and things are looking up under new head coach JJ Redick. After a frustrating offseason in which the Lakers didn't make any significant moves, there is now more hope and optimism for the future of the franchise.

The good start increases the likelihood of a mid-season trade for the Lakers. If the team continues to play well, GM Rob Pelinka may be convinced to load up on talent with the hopes of making a deep postseason run.

One of the players who will be on the trade block will be Jalen Hood-Schifino. The 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Hood-Schifino has failed to establish his pro career so far. The Lakers decided not to pick up his third-year option last week, making him a free agent at the end of the season. Naturally, if the Lakers can get something in return for the young guard, they will seriously consider moving him.

In fact, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported that there are multiple suitors for the former Indiana standout. The list includes the Hawks, Jazz, and the Nets.

"Atlanta had interest in him in that talk with Dejounte [Murray] last year. Utah, I believe, has shown interest in him, to my knowledge, in those talks about Walker Kessler. Brooklyn, I’ve been told, is a team that has interest in him. So, just keep an eye on Jalen Hood-Schifino as a potential outgoing salary expiring deal."

- Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report

What the Lakers will likely try to do is include Hood-Schifino's salary in a trade for a significant player. As part of a package with another player like Jarred Vanderbilt, D'Angelo Russell, or Gabe Vincent and draft compensation, he could help land the Lakers a starter-caliber player at the trade deadline.

If that opportunity doesn't present itself, the Lakers will similarly be open to moving him for a second-round pick.

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