**2 Picks After Hood-Schifino: Lakers' Draft**

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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2 Picks After Hood-Schifino: Lakers' Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash in the 2023 NBA Draft, selecting Maximo “Max” Hood-Schifino with the 17th pick. But the Lakers weren't done yet. They held two more picks in the second round – 40th and 47th – and used them to address specific needs and inject young talent into their roster. Here’s a breakdown of those selections:

Picking Power: Colby Jones – 40th Pick

With the 40th pick, the Lakers landed Colby Jones, a versatile guard from the University of Kentucky. Jones, a four-star recruit, is known for his defensive prowess and high basketball IQ.

What Jones Brings to the Lakers:

• Defensive Versatility: Jones can guard multiple positions, a valuable asset in today's NBA. His defensive instincts and ability to disrupt opposing offenses make him a potential asset for the Lakers, who have historically struggled on that end of the floor.
• Shooting and Playmaking: Jones is a capable shooter and has shown flashes of playmaking ability. While not a high-volume scorer, he can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
• Work Ethic and Maturity: Jones is known for his work ethic and maturity. He was a team leader at Kentucky and is expected to bring that same leadership to the Lakers.

The Fit:

Jones is a solid player who can potentially fill a role on the Lakers roster. With a year or two of development in the G-League, he could provide depth and valuable minutes for the Lakers. He also has the potential to develop into a valuable asset for the Lakers long-term.

Adding Height: Jalen Reese – 47th Pick

With the 47th pick, the Lakers chose Jalen Reese, a center from the University of Texas A&M. Reese is a 6'9'' big man with athleticism and potential.

What Reese Brings to the Lakers:

• Size and Athleticism: Reese is a big, strong player with a long wingspan and solid athleticism. He can rebound effectively and defend the paint.
• Interior Presence: Reese can provide the Lakers with some much-needed size and toughness on the interior. He has shown promise in rebounding and blocking shots.
• Developing Skills: While he’s a raw talent, Reese has the potential to develop his offensive game and become a more consistent scorer.

The Fit:

Reese will likely need to develop in the G-League, but his size and athleticism make him a valuable asset for the Lakers' future. With the Lakers needing a solid big man, Reese could become a contributor.

The Future is Now

The Lakers' draft strategy focused on value, potential, and addressing specific needs. Both Jones and Reese have the potential to become valuable contributors for the Lakers, whether it’s in the G-League or the NBA.

The Lakers' future success will be determined by the development of their young players. Their second-round picks represent an investment in the future and a commitment to building a competitive team for years to come.