The Los Angeles Lakers begin their 2023-24 regular season on Tuesday when they pay a visit to the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the team that swept them in last season’s Western Conference finals.
Los Angeles has a much deeper and more balanced roster than it did at this time last year. While it is exactly the type of roster any team wants to have, it does present one small problem — finding meaningful playing time for everyone who deserves it.
Rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino appears to have the potential to eventually become a good player. In order to become whatever he will become, he needs to get on the court for actual game action.
Unfortunately, he will not get any for at least the next week due to a knee contusion.
Jalen Hood-Schifino (right patella contusion) will miss at least the opening week of his rookie season. He’ll be re-evaluated Nov. 3, the team says.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 23, 2023
The former Indiana University player missed time during the exhibition season due to the same ailment. Once he’s cleared to play, it will be interesting to see how Lakers head coach Darvin Ham finds playing time for him.
