The Los Angeles Lakers made another move this weekend, further bolstering their backcourt by signing Dennis Schroder. Schroder is making his return to the purple and gold after he infamously turned down a lucrative extension worth north of $84 million during the 2020-21 season to hit NBA free agency.
Whoever was giving him advice back then could not have misjudged his market any worse as Schroder didn’t get close to the proposal he was given by the Lakers. Instead of signing a multi-year deal, he signed a one-year deal for $5.9 million with the Boston Celtics.
He was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets and was once again met with an ice-cold market in free agency. Now he is heading back to the Lakers, where he has some unfinished business to handle.
But, Los Angeles should be fortunate that they were able to sign him. Despite being available this late into the offseason, Schroder is still a good player that can help any rotation. Other teams around the NBA knew that as well, as he was considering other franchises before ultimately choosing the Lakers.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors & Phoenix Suns Updates
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium shared the update on Schroder while making an appearance on The Rally on Bally Sports.
“Dennis Schröder was deciding between a few teams, the Lakers, the Raptors, as well as the Phoenix Suns, I’m told.”
It should come as no surprise that contending teams were showing interest in him. Schroder has proven that he can be a productive player whether it is in the starting lineup or coming off the bench as the sixth man. He has also made the postseason seven out of nine seasons in his career, so he is battle tested and a capable producer.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors & Phoenix Suns Updates
Adding him to the mix certainly helps elevate the Lakers’ rotation. He and Patrick Beverley are both better fits and upgrades over the Russell Westbrook that we saw last season, providing Darvin Ham with some versatile options at the point guard position.