Los Angeles Lakers: Does Dennis Schroder deserve a long-term contract?

Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green (14) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green (14) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers offered Dennis Schroder a two-year $33 million extension before the 2021 season began. The former Hawk point guard promptly turned the deal down because the Lakers can offer more on February 16.

As Winter marches on toward Spring and February 16 looms closer, Rob Pelinka has to consider what type of offer he wants to extend Dennis Schroder.

For those Lakers fans who think the decision is cut and dry, it’s not. Yes, the Lakers are 16-6, despite being awarded the shortest offseason in the league’s history. Yes, LeBron James and company are ranked first in defensive rating, haranguing opponents into brick after brick despite (once again) resting through the shortest offseason ever.

Still, Dennis Schroder’s contract situation is not cut and dry, not even a little.

Dennis Schroder’s on-court activity often leaves a ball of tension flowing through the neck and upper back of Purple and Gold fans. Genuine Lakers’ devotees, the ones who watch every game, know that Dennis Schroder excels in some facets of the game and fails in others, leaving almost no middle ground. The former Hawk is one of the NBA’s greatest high-low players.

The question for the Los Angeles Lakers is: Are Dennis Schroder’s highs worth the lows?