Redick: Lakers 'Haven't Given Up' on Hood-Schifino After Declining Contract Option

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained that the team wasn't giving up on Jalen Hood-Schifino despite his expiring contract situation.

"I still believe in Jalen," Redick said, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "We haven't given up on him."

On Thursday, the Lakers declined the 2025-26 club option worth $4 million for Hood-Schifino (via ESPN's Shams Charania). The No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft will now become an unrestricted free agent during the 2025 offseason.

Redick noted that the move gave Los Angeles more financial flexibility for the offseason (via Buha). The Lakers also want to give Hood-Schifino a chance to get more playing time and develop in the G League this season and into the summer.

The former Indiana standout struggled to stay efficient in limited action throughout his rookie year, averaging just 1.6 points and 0.6 rebounds in 5.2 minutes per game while shooting 22.2 percent from the field and 13.3 percent from behind the arc.

Hood-Schifino remained inconsistent during six preseason appearances with Los Angeles in 2024, averaging 4.5 points in 19.8 minutes per game. He also shot just 28.6 percent on field goals and hit 10.0 percent of his threes.

It's been a disappointing start to his career, especially considering Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski were selected with the next two picks in the 2023 draft. Both players were included on the 2023-24 All-Rookie First Team.

At 21 years old, Hood-Schifino still has more than enough time to turn his career around. He'll start by attempting to make his mark on the South Bay Lakers, Los Angeles' G League affiliate, to open the 2024-25 season.

Even if he isn't able to crack Redick's rotation, he could experience a change of scenery before free agency if the Lakers include him in trade discussions prior to the Feb. 6 deadline.