8 2024 Summer Olympians with Los Angeles Lakers ties

7. Dennis Schröder, Germany

In terms of recent Los Angeles Lakers players, Dennis Schröder epitomizes the question of what could've been. Los Angeles traded for Schröder in 2020, shipping out Danny Green and the draft rights to Jaden McDaniels in exchange for a player they hoped would help them get over the hump.

The first run didn't last long, and his second stint with the Lakers wasn't any different in that regard, but Schröder managed to help the Lakers reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals.

Schröder's complicated history with Los Angeles does little to overshadow the fact that he represents one of the biggest threats to Team USA. In addition to being a productive NBA player, he's an accomplished star on the international stage.

Just one year ago, Schröder won MVP as he led Germany to the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup—and could help his nation add another medal in Paris.

Schröder struggled during the USA Basketball Showcase encounter with the Americans, shooting 3-of-15 from the field. In saying that, he also dished out 10 assists and helped Germany flirt with an upset as Team USA ultimately escaped with a 92-88 win.

If Schröder shoots better in Paris, as most expect him to, Germany could be a serious threat to Team USA's dream of winning yet another Olympic gold medal.