Lakers 2023 NBA Draft Class Results | NBA Draft 2023

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#Lakers 2023 #NBADraft Class Results | NBA Draft 2023 The Los Angeles Lakers prioritized the future in the 2023 NBA Draft, opting to select two players — Jalen Hood-Schifino (no. 17) and Maxwell Lewis (no. 40) — instead of trading up, down, or for a win-now piece. “I think the end goal, we talk about it all the time, is for us to put a championship-level product on the court,” said Rob Pelinka after the draft. “Sometimes you can’t make all of your moves in one fell swoop. But we’re really excited about the way the draft panned out. Just the value we were able to acquire with the two players.” The Lakers have since signed three undrafted free agents, which should not be overlooked considering the successes of Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso. Summer League begins on July 3. Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 17 Overall Pick) The Lakers, like many draft prognosticators, including ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, had the former Indiana guard ranked in the mid-teens. Pelinka called Hood-Schifino a “lottery-level” talent with “Lakers DNA.” Basketball-wise, Hood-Schifino hypothetically fills various needs. On defense, he projects as a switchable, two-way wing with above-average size (6'6, 6'10 wingspan, 215 pounds). “He comes with such a great physical package and profile to be a great defender,” Pelinka said. “He’s got all the skills with the length to disrupt passing lanes, disrupt shots.” “I would just say I’m an all-around player,” Hood-Schifino assessed. “I check a lot of boxes. Obviously, a big guard. I feel like I can score from all three levels. Really unselfish. Floor general.” Pelinka envisions a perimeter pairing of Reaves and Hood-Schifino, which would supply IQ, crafty movement (ideal around LeBron James), and two-way versatility. “Fino” grew up a Lakers fan and has a Kobe Bryant tattoo on his arm. The Lakers were the first team he worked out for, and seemed to be his preferred destination. “It’s honestly really crazy and kind of hard to say how I feel because growing up I was a big Kobe fan. I was always watching his videos, watching the Lakers. For me to get drafted by the Lakers is kind of surreal and kind of crazy.” Maxwell Lewis (No. 40 overall pick) The Lakers sent the Indiana Pacers over $4 million to move up seven spots in the second round, ultimately resulting in the selection of the Pepperdine swingman. Lewis is another rangy wing with good size (6'7, 7'0 wingspan). Unlike Jalen, the 21-year-old is an elite athlete with a more developed shot (35.4% from 3 for the Waves). At the very least, he should be able to knock down open looks off the catch right away. His game needs polishing, especially in the areas of ball-handling, passing, and defensive awareness. For a second-round pick, though, the upside and value are obvious. So Z Nation, what do you expect from this Lakers draft class this upcoming season??? Comments down below 💭☑️ Like and Share my videos 👍🏼☑️ ✅ Subscribe to my channel ZSPN on YouTube ✅ ✅Help us continue to provide ZSPN coverage and SUBSCRIBE: http://youtube.com/c/ZSPNSports #ZSPN on Social Media: ☑️Like my page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZSPNSports ☑️Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zspn_sports ☑️Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zspn_production ☑️ Follow Me On TikTok. www.tiktok.com/@zspn_production ☑️Check out my podcast, ZSPN, on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/7hRfH2WzMhoKzgFyftUz1l ☑️Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3I60o3Wt-X421fEiJSjziA/join 💜GO #LAKERS💛