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 Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. He can pass the ball

In addition to a guard who can score off the dribble, the Lakers also need someone who can also occasionally makes plays for teammates, both on the break and in their halfcourt sets.

Schroder can do that.

Is he as gifted a passer as Paul or even Rose? No, but he’s good enough.

In his last two seasons with the Hawks, he averaged over six assists a game, which is a pretty strong mark.

These past two seasons in OKC playing with Russell Westbrook and then Paul, Schroder put up 4.1 and 4.0 assists a game, respectively.

Obviously, when you’re the sixth man and playing with two of the more talented passers in the game, your assists will dip a bit.

The Lakers may not need Schroder to boost his assists back to about six a game, but he can take some of the load off James, especially during the regular season when the team needs to reduce his responsibilities in order to keep him fresh.

Schroder is also about equally adept at playing in the open court as he is in a halfcourt setting, which would make him a nice fit for a Lakers team that loves to fast-break, yet needs improvement with its set offense.

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