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 /

2. He’s young

With James getting older and piling up more and more mileage, the Lakers need to make the effort to get younger. Having wily vets will be a little bit less important now that this team has won a world championship and knows what it takes to get to the mountaintop.

Schroder just turned 27, making him about the same age as superstar big man Anthony Davis. If the German native works out really well, he could be a part of the team long-term.

In addition, he has just one year left on his contract. If an opportunity presents itself for the Lakers to acquire a true third All-Star in the near future, Schroder could be cast aside to amass enough cap space to get such a player.

As great a player as Paul is, he will turn 36 in the middle of next season, and no one knows how many great years he has left in him, or even if he has one such season left.

Since the Lakers win by playing tough, active defense and running teams out of the gym, they need as many young legs with juice as possible. Stocking up on old guys like Paul and a bunch of players signed for the veteran’s minimum will not satisfy that need.

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