It has been very quiet around Dennis Schröder in the past few weeks, now there could be movement in the free agency of the German national player. The Los Angeles Lakers are probably thinking of a point guard return campaign.
According to Marc Stein (Substack) Schröder is a real option for the Lakers. The German previously played alongside LeBron James in the 2020/21 season after the Californians traded Schröder for Danny Green and a first-round pick from Oklahoma City.
The 28-year-old played 61 games for the Lakers, averaging 15.4 points and 5.8 assists with a shot rate of 43.7 percent. Schröder reportedly turned down an early four-year, $84 million contract extension at the time, instead signing with the Boston Celtics the following summer for a year and nearly $6 million.
However, they traded the guard to Houston by the deadline, which did not extend the contract with the German international. The Lakers can’t offer much money now, a minimum contract would probably be in the room, since Los Angeles doesn’t have any cap space and the midlevel exception has already been awarded to Lonnie Walker IV.
Schröder himself does not seem to be averse to a reunion either. As early as July, the German wrote to LeBron James on Instagram that the Lakers should try him again.
Dennis Schröder: Westbrook’s future crucial?
According to Stein, a commitment from Schröder depends on “how the rest of the squad develops.” What is probably meant by this is the situation surrounding Russell Westbrook, who is supposed to play a smaller role after a weak season or may even be traded. If Westbrook doesn’t adjust, the Lakers could actually try Schroeder again.
The other option is a trade, but that remains complicated with Westbrook still owing over $47 million next season. Due to the high salary, the Lakers would probably have to take on several players and sweeten the deal with pick(s) for the trade partner.
The Lakers roster currently has 12 players with guaranteed contracts, plus Wenyen Gabriel and Austin Reaves who are not guaranteed deals. With the Lakers deep in the luxury tax and wanting to maintain flexibility for the season, it’s possible that LA will only go into the season with 14 players instead of the 15 possible.
Los Angeles Lakers: The roster for 22/23
| Point Guard | Shooting Guard | Small Forward | Power Forward | Center |
| Russell Westbrook | Austin Reaves | LeBron James | Anthony Davis | Thomas Bryant |
| Kendrick Nunn | Lonnie Walker IV | Talen Horton-Tucker | Juan Toscano-Anderson | Damian Jones |
| Max Christie | Troy Brown Jr. | Stanley Johnson | Dear Gabriel |
