Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons why Dennis Schroder is a nice trade target

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 09: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 9, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. He can score

As a member of the Atlanta Hawks several years ago, Schroder’s career got off to a slow start. He averaged just 3.7 points a game as a rookie while posting very poor shooting percentages.

But he gradually improved, and this past season he put up 18.9 points a game while helping the Oklahoma City Thunder become one of the most surprising teams in the NBA.

Schroder is also efficient. This season he shot 46.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range. The latter was a career-high and would undoubtedly help a Lakers team that was inconsistent from downtown all season.

Schroder also made 83.9 percent of his free throws in the 2019-20 season, which is another area L.A. struggled in (it finished 28th in free throw shooting percentage).

As James gets older and continues to lose his athleticism (yes, if you pay close attention, he’s already lost a fair amount of it), he’ll need to rely more on his teammates. It’s especially true when it comes to bringing the ball upcourt, particularly in transition, and scoring off the bounce.

Having a guy like Schroder by James’ side these next few years can postpone and slow down James’ inevitable decline, which may allow him to age as gracefully as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once did.

For a detailed breakdown of how well Schroder can fit in on this Lakers team, especially offensively, check out this video:

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