The Los Angeles Lakers dipped back into the NBA free agency pool last weekend and came away with another addition, signing a familiar face in point guard Dennis Schroder. This will be Schroder’s second go-round with the purple and gold as he spent the 2020-21 NBA season as their starting point guard.
It was during that season that Schroder infamously turned down a four-year extension worth north of $84 million because he and his representatives thought he could top that number in free agency. It was a miscalculation on their part, as Schroder ended up signing a one-year, $5.9 million deal with the Boston Celtics instead.
This offseason he was met with a similar fate as he was receiving very little interest despite how well he was playing for Germany in EuroBasket. Schroder averaged 22.1 points to go along with 7.1 assists, helping Germany to the bronze medal.
Los Angeles hopes he can bring some of that production stateside to their rotation this upcoming season. The Lakers now have a logjam at the point guard position as Schroder will be joining Russell Westbrook, the recently acquired Patrick Beverley, and Kendrick Nunn.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
While Schroder is a talented player, as the Lakers got a steal with the one-year, $2.64 million contract they signed him to, one scout that spoke to NBA Analysis Network questioned his fit with the team.
“It’s not the contract. That’s a great deal. I just am not a fan of the basketball fit. He isn’t really that clean of a fit next to superstars. There already is a focus on Westbrook, and he’s in a contract year. Is he really going to buy in? I’m not counting on it. Schroder isn’t the best teammate, either. Neither of them are talented shooters. There are far greater needs than another player who is best with the ball in his hands.”
During his first tenure with the Lakers, Schroder was the starting point guard having to play off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Given the depth at the position this season, he could be coming off the bench, a role that he is likely better suited for with a roster construction such as the one the Lakers have.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
As the scout notes, there are other more pressing needs in Los Angeles, but filling them all won’t be easy. The Lakers are lacking assets to build multiple trade packages and for now, will take whatever talent upgrades they can get.
Schroder may not be the perfect fit, but he has at least produced at a high level previously in his career. If he can return to the shooting form he had with the Oklahoma City Thunder during his Sixth Man of the Year runner-up campaign, it would greatly help the team.
