Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, expressed his excitement and gratitude after being selected by the team he grew up idolizing. The 20-year-old guard, who played for the Indiana Hoosiers in college, revealed that the first thought that came to his mind upon hearing the news was the late Kobe Bryant.
“Honestly, the first thing that came to my mind was Kobe Bryant,” Hood-Schifino shared. “I’ve been loving Kobe since I was a little kid. For me to get drafted by them, I was just like ‘Wow!’ That was kind of a full circle, and I was just super happy and super blessed.”
The young rookie’s admiration for Bryant has been a constant throughout his life, and joining the Lakers organization allows him to fulfill a childhood dream. Hood-Schifino’s enthusiasm and reverence for Bryant’s legacy suggest that he will bring a deep appreciation for the game and a desire to honor the Lakers’ storied history.
