Dennis Schroder has been mocked for years after allegedly turning down an $84 million extension from the Lakers in 2020-21 to try and get $100 million or more in free agency that year. After the Lakers’ first-round exit that year where Schroder was pitiful, the only thing Schroder could find was a non-tax MLE with the Celtics.
Schroder reflected on the contract offer while talking to Jake Fischer of Yahoo, claiming his old representatives asked him to turn that contract down, one of the biggest financial blunders of Schroder’s career.
“I would have signed it. I would never just leave money on the table. My mom didn’t raise me that way.”
Schroder went on to say that he had the two worst years of his career after turning down that contract, something which caused him to lose $74 million in value. Thankfully, he found a way to focus on the positives like how far his career has come and that he’s already made millions in previous contracts.
“It was like my two worst years of my career, and in those two years, I made $8 million. I had two healthy kids, my mom, and my siblings. I can buy anything I want. I had a $70 million contract before. A guy from Germany? From Braunschweig? I’m more than blessed. I’m with the people who love me and were there through the darkest days.”
Schroder was an integral piece for the Lakers last year, rehabilitating his market value with the same team that he tanked it with. He signed with the Raptors on a two-year, $26 million contract this summer and has given them good value already.
He’s averaging 14.6 points and 6.8 assists this season but saw the Raptors bring in his long-term replacement in Immanuel Quickley.
Dennis Schroder Has Proved His Value
He’s become a crucial veteran in the Raptors locker room, trying to keep the team locked in despite a 15-21 start to the season. He’s keen on being a culture-setter for new head coach Darko Rajakovic.
“I mean, the culture is just a different culture. When I got here, (head coach) Darko (Rajakovic) did a great job just putting his system into the organization but I think we just got to follow that. Everybody being unselfish, shares the ball. Even the guys who don’t really play, people got to be grateful cheering on their teammates when they get a stop or when they get on the floor or dive. Pick them up being excited for another,” Schroder continued.”
Schroder was playing for the Lakers on a minimum contract last season, earning starting roles ahead of the likes of D’Angelo Russell purely because of his intensity. Schroder’s offense can be streaky at times, but he always brings high energy to the court and strong defense for his size.
The Lakers would look better this season if they still had Schroder to fix their guard inconsistencies, but the Raptors made sure they offered him more than what the Lakers could. His long-term future as a starter in Toronto isn’t guaranteed, so he’ll hope to continue making a big enough impression to entice a team to continue paying him in the 2025 offseason.
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