Los Angeles Lakers rookies Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis were introduced to the media and fans Tuesday afternoon.
The Lakers are expected to be title contenders next season, making it unlikely that Hood-Schifino or Lewis will see the court during their first NBA season unless they are injured.
Despite the fact these two first-year players might not be household names anytime soon in Los Angeles, the introductory press conference had its fair share of laughs, especially when Hood-Schifinio recalled being told he was only seven days old when LeBron James was drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Jalen Hood-Schifino on the social media post going around on draft night that detailed how he was only 7 days old when LeBron James was drafted into the NBA: “I saw that … and was like, ‘Dang, LeBron’s old!’”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 27, 2023
The social media post detailing how Jalen Hood-Schifino was only 7 days old when LeBron James was drafted into the NBA went viral on draft night. “I was like, ‘Dang, LeBron’s old!'” Hood-Schifino said.
With James turning 39 in December and entering his 21st season in the NBA, he has spent more time in the league than either of these rookies.
As James enters his third decade in the league, he is still going strong, as he wants at least one more chance at winning a title with the Lakers.
As most players on the Lakers are either slated for free agency, restricted free agency, or are up for contract extensions this summer, they will be a team to watch.
