Los Angeles Lakers: 3 most disappointing players in 2021 thus far

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers consoles Markieff Morris #88 during the first quarter of a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers consoles Markieff Morris #88 during the first quarter of a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Most disappointing Los Angeles Lakers: 1. Dennis Schroder

This could be a case of me expecting too much out of Dennis Schroder before the season as he was arguably the best offseason addition by Rob Pelinka. The Lakers flipped Danny Green and the 28th overall pick for Schroder, which was exceptional considering the pick value and Green’s value down the stretch for the Lakers.

It seemed like a perfect fit. Schroder was essentially coming in to replace Rajon Rondo’s role on the team. Rondo was really good in the playoffs for the Lakers, but there is a reason why Playoff Rondo is a thing — because there is such a thing as regular-season Rondo.

Nobody expected Schroder to be the generational passer that Rondo still shows glimpses of being but he is a much better natural scorer and is someone who could provide offense both as an off-ball threat and as a shot creator.

The stars were aligned for this to be a great addition. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year was arguably the best player the Lakers brought in during the offseason.

Yet he has been in the bottom half of the team in terms of overall numbers and efficiency this season. His scoring averages, as well as his shooting, have dipped fairly significantly from last season and his advanced numbers are not pretty.

Schroder ranks third to last among rotation players in win-shares per 48 minutes, is second to last in Box Plus/Minus and is right in the middle of the pack in PER at 13.0.

These are not great numbers for someone who is second on the team in total minutes played only behind LeBron James.