The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly decided not to pick up Jaylen Hood-Schifino’s third-year rookie scale option, making him an unrestricted free agent after this season. This decision gives the Lakers multiple options and strategic flexibility heading into the offseason.
First, Hood-Schifino becomes an expiring contract, which means he could be packaged with another player, like D’Angelo Russell, creating close to $22 million in expiring contracts. This could be appealing to teams looking to unload salary at the trade deadline without taking on long-term commitments. If a team, for example, wanted to part ways with an expiring contract like Bruce Brown, the Lakers could potentially offer a package that includes Hood-Schifino and other players, allowing the Lakers to clear additional cap space and gain more financial flexibility.
Additionally, since the Lakers are likely to operate as an above-the-cap team, they benefit from having options. While it’s unlikely LeBron James would take a significantly reduced salary to create cap space, he has previously shown a willingness to negotiate for roster flexibility. Hood-Schifino’s departure could open roughly $4 million, allowing the Lakers to add veteran minimum players or approach trades more creatively without impacting their cap situation significantly.
If the Lakers still see potential in Hood-Schifino, they have the option to re-sign him on a lower deal than the original $4.4 million option. By signing him at a more manageable figure—say, a two-year, $4 million contract—the Lakers could free up space while retaining a developmental player without the initial financial commitment.
For now, though, the Lakers are prioritizing win-now talent, especially with their goals for a championship this season. In a development-focused environment, a young player like Hood-Schifino might have the opportunity to go through growing pains. For instance, players like Scottie Pippen Jr. found success with other teams after initially struggling with the Lakers, as the Lakers are not typically in a position to nurture lengthy development due to their championship focus.
The decision not to extend Hood-Schifino’s option doesn’t necessarily mean the Lakers are giving up on him entirely, but rather that they’re seeking more roster flexibility. If he doesn’t receive offers above a minimum from other teams, he could still end up re-signing with the Lakers at a reduced rate, depending on their cap strategy.