2 Lakers Veterans Had High Praise For Young Player At Training Camp

NBA training camp is now underway.

This might be masked in major sports media by the overwhelming nature of the NFL, but this is an important benchmark for NBA teams.

Training camp is an opportunity for players to gel with their new teammates, and it also provides an opportunity for fringe players to show that they belong.

ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin recently noted a Los Angeles Lakers player who has gotten special attention from two of his teammates.

Both D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves shouted out rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino as having a strong Day 1 of training camp

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 3, 2023

Jalen Hood-Schifino has gotten strong support from both D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, according to McMenamin.

Hood-Schifino was the Lakers’ first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He was a highly-recruited player out of high school but slid to 17 during the draft.

Analysts were torn on his prospect profile when he was drafted by the Lakers, wondering what his immediate impact could be.

The Lakers have several significant guards on their roster, including Russell and Reaves.

While his road to significant minutes during his rookie year might be difficult, this praise from Reaves and Russell is something for fans to note.

Whenever players call out one of their younger teammates, especially if it is unpromoted, it is a sign that they are genuinely excited to have them on the team.

Hood-Schifino could get a chance to show the world what he can do alongside the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The NBA Season is less than a month away, giving Hood-Schifino only a few more weeks to get acclimated with his Lakers teammates.

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