The ‘plant-forward diet’ that Jalen Hood-Schifino adheres to was mentioned as a consideration in the Lakers’ choice to select him as their new point guard.

 

According to Jalen Hood-Schifino, one of the reasons the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him was because he follows a “plant-forward diet.”

 

 

 

Reports indicate that one of the reasons the Los Angeles Lakers chose to draft youngster Jalen Hood-Schifino with the seventeenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft was due of his nutritional habits.

 

“When he was a sophomore at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, N.C., Lakers rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino made what he deemed to be an important decision for both his health and basketball future: he changed his diet,” Jovan Buha wrote for The Athletic. “He changed his diet because he believed it was important for both his health and basketball future.”

 

At the age of 16, he decided to switch to a “plant-forward” diet, during which he eliminated practically all goods derived from animals from his diet. Hood-Schifino does not strictly adhere to a vegan or vegetarian diet, as evidenced by the fact that she consumes fish as well as other goods derived from animals.

 

Because of his maturity, preparedness, discipline, and even his nutrition, the Lakers placed a high value on Hood-Schifino, which resulted in his being selected by the team with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

 

 

 

It’s possible that the Lakers are placing such a high priority on Hood-Schifino’s diet because they believe it will help him maintain his health while he continues his career in the NBA.

 

 

 

During his one and only season with the Indiana University Hoosiers, Hood-Schifino was named the Big Ten Rookie of the Year. During that season, he averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

 

 

It is anticipated that he would provide the Lakers with some depth at the guard position for the 2023–2024 season. If he is able to push for playing time, he may potentially earn a job on the team.

 

The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed free agents Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, adding them to their roster while also adding forward Rui Hachimura.

 

With the addition of big me𝚗 Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, as well as wings Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince and guards Gabe Vincent and Vincent Gabre, the Los Angeles Lakers improved the depth of their frontcourt roster.

 

 

 

The fact that Hood-Schifino was selected by the Lakers in the first round demonstrates that the franchise believes he has promise, despite the fact that it is possible that he will not get a large amount of playing time right away. Despite the fact that the Lakers could have utilized the No. 17 pick in a trade during this offseason, it appears that they are content to hold on to the former Hoosier.

 

 

 

Hood-Schifino “really carries himself as a pro,” stated Rоb Pelinka, the Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, on the night when the team made its selection. When it came to maintaining a healthy diet and working out, he was simply ahead of his time. This is reflected in both his body and his outward look. He was destined to play basketball with the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

 

 

The decision that Hood-Schifino made to transition to a plant-based diet helped him stand out among the other draft prospects in the class of 2023. If the Los Angeles Lakers determine that having players on their roster who adhere to a particular diet is beneficial, they may make an effort in the future to acquire more players who follow that diet.