Fresh Lakers Draft Pick Unpacks Emotions After Life-Changing News

The NBA draft is the ceremony of basketball opportunities, but for this new Lakers, being drafted is none short of a dream come true.

With the 17th pick of the 2023 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Indiana Guard, Jalen Hood-Shifino. Jalen joins second-rounder Maxwell Lewis as members of the Lakers' latest draft class.

Speaking with Spectrum SportsNet's Alie Clifton, Hood-Shifino had lots to say about the next chapter of his basketball story.

"Growing up, I was a big Kobe fan, that was my favorite player... to get drafted by the Lakers it's crazy." @jalenhs chats with @RealAClifton about joining the #LakeShow and what he brings to the table. pic.twitter.com/tyCQe3uXNc
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) June 23, 2023

"A rollercoaster.", says the former Indiana guard.

Being drafted was more of a relief than anything for Hood-Schifino, solidifying that his hard work has been paid off.

"Fino", named after the suffix of his last name and an acronym that spells out, "Failure Is No Option," looked up to the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as a child.

"Growing up, I was a big Kobe fan, that was my favorite player... to get drafted by the Lakers it's crazy," Hood-Schifino revealed. "I watched all his documentaries and all his videos."

Fino's Indiana career finished off with him averaging 13 points/game this past season, and seeing how Rob Pelinka's coaching staff has improved Lakers Guard, Austin Reaves, three-point shooting, I see JHS's development being no different.

On a conference call, Jalen Hood-Schifino described himself as an "All-around player" who "checks a lot of boxes."

He said he was a three-level scorer who can defend multiple positions, and he thinks his having a big, strong frame will help towards that end.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 23, 2023

As a Laker fan, drafting a player with this kind of ambition only excites me to see how he fits in with the rest of the squad, and I can't wait any longer to see him play his first game in Purple and Gold.

Fortunately, we will get our first-hand look at Jalen Hood-Schifino in a Lakers jersey at this year's impending Summer League, which is set to tip off in July.

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