3. Dennis Schroder
Could the Lakers bring back Schroder for a third stint in Los Angeles? He was a starter in 2021 and turned down a massive contract to test the waters in free agency. The market dried up before Schroder found a deal, which left him taking the taxpayer mid-level in Boston. He returned to the Lakers last season before departing for Toronto in free agency.
Rob Pelinka and the front office signed Gabe Vincent to replace Schroder, but the 6’3 guard has played just five games. He helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2023 but is out through the trade deadline. Could the Lakers abandon their offseason plan after such a brief sample?
The Raptors traded Pascal Siakam and OG Anunboy already. They are sellers and should have every veteran available to see what they can fetch before the trade deadline. Schroder is under contract for $13.0 million next season, but Toronto views Immanuel Quickley as their point guard of the present and future. Schroder is a skilled veteran who figures to draw interest from several contenders.
Verdict: Dennis Schroder solves LA's playmaking, ball-handling, and scoring woes, but he does not vault the Lakers into title contenders. He is a quality role player who will help the team, but fans should not expect too much. The Lakers won two playoff series in Schroder’s two years with the franchise.