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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players that need to play better and fast

By Jason Reed

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 1: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers dive for a loose ball during second half action at AT&T Center on January 1 , 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 1: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers dive for a loose ball during second half action at AT&T Center on January 1 , 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Dennis Schroder

I am still very optimistic about Dennis Schroder turning it around for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Right now, the Schroder doubters appear to be the correct ones as he has not had the kind of impact on the Lakers that was expected.

However, he has still been better than Danny Green, which is who he was traded for. That, in upon itself, is a win.

The thought of Schroder manning the second unit off the bench and providing his playmaking and athleticism alongside Montrezl Harrell was extremely enticing. Having those two as your 1-2 punch off the bench is something that does not just hold leads, but extends them.

That is not how Schroder has been used, though. Schroder is starting for the Los Angeles Lakers and is playing over 30 minutes per game. Personally, I would rather see Schroder get more time with the second unit and promote someone such as Alex Caruso to the starting lineup for his defensive presence. It is better to put a guard who does not need the ball next to LeBron James.

Schroder just has not been efficient and has not played great defense. He is second to last in offensive rating, has posted a -2.6 Offensive Box Plus-Minus (OBPM) with a -1.1 Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM). He has the worst VORP and eFG% on the entire roster.

Schroder is averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds, which is good on the surface level. But the advanced numbers above reveal the true reality that can be witnessed in watching the games.

Schroder needs to be more efficient or needs fewer minutes.

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