The Los Angeles Lakers will have several issues to address this coming offseason, including Dennis Schroder’s free agency.
The German point guard has already expressed his desire to remain with the team “for a long time,” albeit for the right price.
Dennis Schroder when asked if he wants to sign a contract extension before the summer free agency begins: “I want to be a Laker for a long time … I just want it to be fair”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 19, 2021
Schroder has been excellent for the Lakers so far this season. The front office’s acquisition of the 27-year-old this past offseason has provided the team another playmaker who can also create shots for himself.
He is currently averaging 14.8 points and 4.7 assists per game.
His value, however, goes beyond the box score. The Lakers had little success when both Schroder and Anthony Davis were absent from the lineup earlier this season. Though Davis remains out, the Lakers have fared far better since Schroder’s return.
The Lakers are 7-2 with Dennis Schroder since AD’s injury.
0-4 without him. pic.twitter.com/2WHLBwiBcp
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 19, 2021
If the Lakers want to prevent Schroder from hitting the market, they will need to shell out a huge amount of money. Retaining him will reportedly cost the Purple and Gold an average of at least $20 million per year.
But if Schroder is able to provide a significant contribution to the Lakers’ bid to repeat as champs, the team will surely be more willing to pay him that much.
