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Dennis Schroder’s laughable Celtics debut proves Lakers were right

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics dribbles as Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks defends during first overtime at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 138-134. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics dribbles as Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks defends during first overtime at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 138-134. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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One of the most interesting storylines from the 2021 offseason was the descent of Dennis Schroder’s value. The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly offered Schroder a four-year, $84 million extension during the season that he turned down; a move he would soon regret.

The offseason went on and no real suitors stepped up for Schroder. When the dust settled, Schroder agreed to a one-year deal on the Taxpayer’s Mid-Level Exception with the Boston Celtics. He went from an $84 million offer to a $5.89 million one.

If Schroder is looking at the bright side he can at least remind himself that he is playing in another contract year and can regain some of that free-agent value with a strong season. Unfortunately for Schroder, his 2021-22 season did not get off on the right foot and his play continues to prove that the Los Angeles Lakers were right not to go over their already absurd $84 million offer.

Schroder had several terrible moments in the game. He blew multiple wide-open layups, including one in second overtime with a three-point lead and less than four minutes to play. If he hits this wide-open layup then the Celtics probably win.

Instead, he looked like Ben Simmons attempting a three-pointer.

The worst moment of the game, though, came later. With the Boston Celtics down four and under 20 seconds left to play, Dennis Schroder was given the most wide-open three-point attempt he will ever have in his career. If he hits it, the Celtics can foul and make it a one-possession game to either extend the game or win it.

He bricked it off the back iron. It was not even close. Observe:

Even worse, he didn’t even try to go for the rebound on Jayson Tatum’s three. He stood at the elbow as the ball bounced his way, cementing the Celtics loss.

This might be the best thing Dennis Schroder has done for the Los Angeles Lakers.

It is no secret that Schroder’s lone season with the Los Angeles Lakers was a disappointment. He had moments where he seemed to realize his potential but it always came in meaningless regular-season games that the Lakers would lose without LeBron and AD.

When he had to step up and be the second-best player on the Lakers when Anthony Davis got hurt he couldn’t do it. He is not the main reason why the Lakers fell short, but he is a big reason why.

Helping the Celtics lose by playing such a poor game and not coming up when it mattered most is the best thing he could do for LA. It is always nice seeing the Lakers’ biggest rivals fall short in a game that they absolutely should have won.

For those wondering about the box-score numbers, Schroder finished with 12 points on 5-16 shooting with eight assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes. His -16 plus/minus was the worst of any player for either team.

Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark

But hey, Russell Westbrook didn’t look great on Opening Night either, so at least Schroder has that.

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