Los Angeles Lakers: Just how much is Dennis Schroder worth?

Recently, it was reported that Dennis Schroder is communicating that he wants to sign a contract worth $100-120 million this offseason. For those that do not know or might not remember, Schroder pushed aside the Los Angeles Lakers four-year, $84 million offer they offered him during this past season. So now comes the part where we get to see if he will get what he wants from the Lakers or another team or not.

How much is enough for a player of Schroder’s caliber? He was making $17,500,000 from a 4-year contract that he had signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Look at his numbers. He averaged 15.4 points per game this past season. If you look at other players around the league who scored close to or about the same you will see players such as the Warriors Kelly Oubre Jr., the Spurs’ Derrick White, Gary Trent Jr., of the Trail Blazers and T. J. Warren of the Pacers.

All of these players are making less money than Schroder. Of course Trent Jr., and White are playing on rookie contracts. To be quite fair and objective, Schroder did come from a team in which he served a more singular purpose as one of the main cogs.

Players such as Victor Oladipo make similar money to what the Lakers had offered Schroder with their more than generous offer of $84 million for 4 years. That being said, they did their part and should move on. Schroder didn’t play to the worth in which they were willing to pay him.

We all know that being part of the Lakers is a special privilege unlike anything else in sports. It goes right up there with being part of the New York Yankees, San Francisco 49ers, Montreal Canadiens, etc.

To be the starting point guard for the Lakers is even more of an added honor. Look at their current roster and of course, you will see the great LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two ultra-talented players who know what it takes to win and what means the most and that is the end result. Is Dennis Schroder that type of player? Is he of that Laker caliber? I know it was only one season, but it didn’t look like it to me.

I cannot see him getting anywhere near the price he wants and to a team that might be able to do that, I would be quite shocked and surprised; yet nothing really surprises me anymore. Especially when it comes to throwing too much money at a player.

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t get enough out of Dennis Schroder this past season.

There were times when he looked out of place, or lackadaisical, and Lakers fans were expecting more. Schroder, in fact, took a step backward this season. He didn’t seem as good as he was last year. Then again, he was one of the main focal points of the Thunder last season but this year he was one of the many integral parts.

Perhaps, he is just not the kind of player that can play second or third fiddle to others? Maybe he just does not possess that in him. We know many who are very similar in that respect. According to Lakers’ great Magic Johnson, Dennis Schroder is not the answer.

So how much exactly is he worth? Well, it sure is not the amount he wants. The way he played last season and his attitude in spurning the Lakers more than generous offer, he should get anywhere from $10-12 million per season.

To be quite fair, I wouldn’t really care if the Los Angeles  Lakers didn’t re-sign him which I don’t think they will. I’d rather them go with someone else like Alex Caruso or another player. It will be interesting to see what direction they go in when it comes to the point guard position.

Derrick Rose would be a great option. They could get him cheaper and he has more experience than Schroder and is more of a clutch like player that would be a perfect fit for them. Another player I would hope the Lakers would look at is the Phoenix Suns Cameron Payne, who killed the Lakers in the playoffs this year.

Payne filled in wonderfully for Chris Paul when he was hurt. Paul isn’t going to leave there, especially with how well they are doing. Payne can be a full-time starter in this league.