Lakers Decline Jalen Hood-Schifino's Contract Option, Sparking Trade Interest

The Lakers' decision leaves Hood-Schifino as an unrestricted free agent, while teams like Atlanta and Utah show interest.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers' 2023 first-round pick, will become an unrestricted free agent after the team declined his third-year option.
The Lakers' move aims to create roster flexibility as they navigate being over the salary cap next offseason.
Despite not playing this season, Hood-Schifino showed promise in the G League, averaging 22 points and shooting 43.2% from three-point range.
Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz have expressed interest in Hood-Schifino, potentially seeing value in his development.
The decision reflects the Lakers' prioritization of financial flexibility and roster depth over retaining Hood-Schifino's potential.