Los Angeles Lakers: 5 potential buyout targets after NBA trade deadline

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Avery Bradley #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Avery Bradley #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Dennis Schroder

Wouldn’t this be something? The Los Angeles Lakers made it a trend of bringing back former players in the offseason and perhaps Rob Pelinka continues that trend during the season by signing Dennis Schroder as a buyout target after the NBA trade deadline.

Schroder was traded by the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets alongside Enes Freedom. Freedom has already been waived by the Houston Rockets, who also have no intentions of winning, and Schroder could be around the corner (he could be bought out by the time you are reading this).

Sure, Schroder struggled with the Lakers last season and could not step up and be that second-best player on the team when Anthony Davis was hurt. However, he is someone who is familiar with playing alongside LeBron James and AD and could help the team slowly give Russell Westbrook fewer minutes, especially in the playoffs.

For Schroder, a return to the Lakers could be a good thing as he would be returning to the team that tried to give him a four-year, $84 million contract. If you are Schroder maybe you are hoping that you ball out with LA and they give you another absurd contract offer in the offseason.

Regardless, Schroder is going to be one of the biggest names on the buyout market and you cannot rule him out.