Dennis Schroder is a reliable point guard who gets the job done. He provides a scoring threat as a third option on the Los Angeles Lakers and is also adept at running an offense. Schroder is in a limited role on the Los Angeles Lakers, but he had seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder where he showed that he was more than capable of taking on a higher offensive load.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report has reported that multiple league executives have stated that Dennis Schroder believes that he is an elite point guard, and isn’t satisfied with his role on the Los Angeles Lakers. It is also suggested that the New York Knicks could be a potential suitor for his services in free agency.
Back in March, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Schroder had declined a four-year, $84 million extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season (h/t Dan Feldman of Pro Basketball Talk). The two sides’ inability to strike a deal played a factor in the Lakers’ pursuit of Lowry at the trade deadline, sources said.
Multiple league executives who have overlapped with Schroder told B/R they believe the ball-handler is looking to be paid like a top-tier point guard, and his role in Los Angeles may not satisfy his interest in being the leading playmaker for a marquee franchise.
“He sees himself as a big-market player, and obviously he wants to start,” said the veteran personnel man.
New York could present that opportunity for Schroder, and the Knicks are indeed considering a run at him in free agency, sources said. They appear likely to re-sign Derrick Rose as head coach Tom Thibodeau’s reliable reserve floor general, but perhaps Schroder can be the answer for their’ hole in their opening lineup on a deal worth north of $90 million.
It is understandable that a talented player like Dennis Schroder would want an opportunity to showcase his abilities. While the Los Angeles Lakers do offer him a starting position and the ability to pursue a championship, there are certainly teams that would offer him a bigger role and a big contract. It remains to be seen what Dennis Schroder ends up doing in free agency, but a point guard of his caliber will certainly command great offers.
