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Why the Lakers should not waste their money on Dennis Schröder

By Davide Tovani

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Injuries and health and safety protocols have not been kind to the Los Angeles Lakers.  As their season and chances to repeat stand on the line with almost certain participation in the play-in tournament, it is inevitable to assess the situation with an eye to the future.

At full strength, the Lakers would be the terror of the league and likely the team with the best chances to win the 2021 championship. But full strength has become an unknown concept for the purple and gold as of late. More of a mirage.

The most recent absence hitting the team involves Dennis Schröder, missing almost the entirety of this fundamental final stretch of the season.

Entering the season, Schröder was seen as the key addition for the NBA champions Lakers, possibly the third star behind Anthony Davis and LeBron James who could have elevated the team to a new level of competitiveness.

Schröder reportedly rejected a four-year $84 million extension from the Lakers, and maybe it is for the best. The German point guard did not meet the expectations.

Throughout the long stretch James and Davis were out with injuries, he had the chance to prove he deserved the money he asks but he fell short. He was expected to be the driving force who would carry LA during that tough stretch, but instead, he just faded into the rotations, contributing no more no less than his teammates.

Giving Dennis Schröder a max or quasi-max contract would be a huge mistake on the Lakers’ part.

In Schröder’s recent absence, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker have taken over the point guard duty with great results.

Since promoted a starter, Caruso is averaging12.2 points and 5 assists, and particularly in the last two games, he showed signs of getting more comfortable in the role. He scored 18 points and followed it up with a 17-point, 8-assist night while shooting 60 percent from three.

The fan-favorite CaruShow has just entered his prime and he is proven to be a great two-way player in the league, one of the best at his position on the defensive end. He showed that, given the right amount of playing time, his production and impact on the game have nothing to envy to Schröder. The former Texas A&M would definitely make for a great starting point guard in the lineup with LeBron James.

As for Horton-Tucker, although his numbers might not be eye-popping yet, he is the future of the team. Recognized as a young stud with All-Star potential, he already showed great things and the organization is excited about his future. So much that they refused to agree to a trade that would have potentially netted Kyle Lowry because unwilling to part ways with the 20-year old.

As clearly stated in the title, the Lakers should not waste their money re-signing Schröder. They would do much better letting him walk away and use them to make sure to re-sign home-grown talents Caruso and THT (who will have plenty of aggressive suitors this summer), bring back Ben McLemore, who turned out to be a great addition (courtesy of general manager Rob Pelinka making his magic) and add more help on the wing.

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At the current state, there is no real need for the Lakers to give Dennis Schröder the money he asks (something over $21 million annually). Their available alternatives are equally or even more valuable, and they would better ensure to hang on them.

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