Los Angeles Lakers: Why a Dennis Schroder sign-and-trade is most likely

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 27, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 27, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

Dennis Schroder is an unrestricted free agent this offseason after the point guard reportedly declined a four-year, $84 million extension from the Los Angeles Lakers during the season. The Lakers should feel lucky that Schroder said no, as that contract would have felt like an overpay after what transpired thereafter.

It became clear that while Schroder could put up good box score numbers when his usage rate was high, he was not a great fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He is a ball-stopper in the worst kind of way as a point guard and is not someone who is going to succeed next to LeBron James.

Out of all the possible scenarios for Dennis Schroder this offseason, there is one that makes the most sense from a likelihood standpoint.

The Los Angeles Lakers agreeing to a sign-and-trade with Dennis Schroder makes the most sense.

While anything can happen in the NBA, a Dennis Schroder sign-and-trade is something with serious legs that should be monitored. These kinds of deals are not super rare but it is the rare situation where it could benefit both the player and the team involved.

And yes, this means that it is most likely that Schroder will play on another team next season, as it should be. He simply is not a great fit for this team.

Let’s break down the reasons why a sign-and-trade is the most likely path in Schroder’s near future.