5 potential D’Angelo Russell replacements for Lakers this offseason
By Jack Simone
5 potential D’Angelo Russell replacements for Lakers this offseason: Dennis Schroder
This list might as well start off with the most boring option. Dennis Schroder had a solid season for the Los Angeles Lakers this past season, and barring a massive offer, they should be able to bring him back into the fold.
He’s not the same level of shooter as D’Angelo Russell, but he can make his threes when he needs to. Plus, Schroder is also comfortable creating for himself at times, which is a nice skill for the Lakers to have.
With Austin Reaves (hopefully) reentering the fold next year, the two of them would be able to split ball-handling duties, creating the same frontcourt that, for the most part, led the way in the crucial moments of LA’s playoff run this past season.
Schroder is also a much better defender than Russell, especially at the point of attack. He was handed some high-profile matchups this past season, most of which came during the team’s postseason run.
For a Lakers team that depended on their defense as much as they did last year, having solid defenders at all five starter positions is crucial, and Schroder would help with that.
Most importantly, Schroder shouldn’t break the bank for the Lakers. He’s one of the better guards on the market, but with most teams worrying about the new CBA, he shouldn’t demand a massive contract.
The Lakers could probably get him back on a solid deal and, if they fail to find a better option, should feel alright rolling him out as a starter next to Reaves. It wouldn’t be perfect, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Potential starting lineup: Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis