Lakers rookie undergoes successful back surgery

Lakers rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino underwent successful back surgery on Thursday, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. In particular, Hood-Schifino underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin adds that no timetable for recovery was provided.

While nothing is confirmed, it would be surprising if he played again this regular season. For what it’s worth, Dwight Howard was given a two-to-three month recovery timeline in 2018 with the Wizards when he suffered a similar injury.

Hood-Schifino hasn’t received much playing time during his rookie season after being selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He’s also dealt with a handful of injury issues this season. He’s averaging 1.6 points in 5.2 minutes per game and 21 appearances this season.

He’s played much more at the G League level. In 15 regular season games, he averaged 22.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and shot 43.2% from three in 35.4 minutes. Still just 20 years old, it was an uphill battle to claim a rotation spot on a Lakers team fresh off the Western Conference Finals. Fellow young piece Max Christie slightly increased his role with the team in his second season and both players will have an opportunity to keep developing in L.A.’s system this offseason.