Lakers News: Darvin Ham Reveals LA's Plan For Rehabbing Jalen Hood-Schifino

After missing the start of his rookie season with a knee injury, Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has been cleared to return.

The 6'6" Indiana University product is set to begin rehabbing in-game, which, per head coach Darvin Ham, will happen in the G League.

Darvin Ham speaks on the game plan tonight and rookie @jalenhs returning from injury. pic.twitter.com/LaPq9VvnmV
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 18, 2023

"I think our G League system [will] help with that process. It's just about him getting back in tune... just getting his game legs back," Ham said. "Our G League [team], that's what that part of the program is for, for each and every team -- not only to discover new talent... but to also try to... have maintenance for your current young guys."

Ham seems attuned to the idea that Hood-Schifino, the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, will begin his rehab with LA's NBAGL affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

Hood-Schifino was a known project of a prospect, as despite having an NBA-ready frame at 6'6" and 215 pounds, his jump shot isn't at the level it needs to be to be respected by NBA defenses.

He's also very turnover prone, indicating that he may not be ready to lead an NBA offense, especially on a team with three solid guards that are all worthy of 25+ minutes per game (Gabe Vincent, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves).

Expect some G League play from "JHS" before he suits up for the main roster, but even when he's called up, the odds that he sees minutes are low, given the Lakers' depth, and his skill set – both stand-alone, and how it complements the rest of the team.

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