The Los Angeles Lakers faced significant scrutiny during the 2023-24 NBA season, particularly regarding their decision to select Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Hood-Schifino struggled to find consistent playing time, while fellow draftee Jaime Jaquez Jr., selected at No. 18 by the Miami Heat, distinguished himself by earning All-Rookie First Team honors.
As the sands of time shift, the implications of the Lakers’ draft choices have become even clearer. In the time since that pivotal draft, the performance of players taken immediately before and after Hood-Schifino—Keyonte George and Brandin Podziemski—has shown just how impactful this selection may have been for the Lakers.
Keyonte George, who was chosen at No. 16 by the Utah Jazz, has emerged as a standout performer with averages of 24.3 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and an impressive shooting line of .458/.372/.902. His breakout season underscores the pain of missed opportunity for Los Angeles, particularly given the organization’s persistent struggles at the point guard position over the years.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has also made significant strides in his career, positioning himself as a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year in the current season. Averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, Jaquez’s versatility on offense and defense highlights how he could have complemented the Lakers’ roster strengths during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
Brandin Podziemski, selected by the Golden State Warriors at No. 19, has become a crucial player for his team. His contributions in the postseason, combined with averages of 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the current campaign, showcase his growth as a scorer and playmaker, affirming the idea that the Lakers overlooked significant talent.
Despite the speculation surrounding missed opportunities, it’s important to recognize that team dynamics can fluctuate. While Hood-Schifino was ultimately traded after just 23 games with the Lakers, this year they have found success with stars like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James leading the charge. The Lakers’ current roster, while of high caliber, is left with questions about how much stronger it might have been with the inclusion of one of the emerging talents just out of reach in the draft.
As they move forward, the Lakers can reflect on this chapter of their draft history while also embracing the potential for growth within their current lineup. The future remains bright with stars that can elevate the team’s performance moving ahead.