NBA News: Lakers Not Entirely Shutting Door On Prolific German Guard

Dennis Schroder will be an interesting player that multiple NBA teams will check out this offseason.

The word going around is that the German guard will leave the Los Angeles Lakers following a disappointing 2020-21 NBA season.

However, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka may have stirred the pot a bit when he gave his assessment on the performance of the 27-year-old guard.

Pelinka spoke to Lakers Nation and shared some of the good things that Schroder brought to the franchise this season.

“I think all of us can look at Dennis’ body of work and he is an extreme competitor and that’s on both sides of the ball. He’s hounding guys, picking up players full court, diving for loose balls, bringing that energy on the defensive end, and then of course has the ability to score at the point guard position. So we value just those qualities in him,” Pelinka stated.

Schroder had his moments especially when the Lakers’ backs were against the wall. He stepped up alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the team’s third scorer.

When both Lakers' stars went down, the German also took it upon himself to keep the team’s campaign afloat.

Despite those good recounts, Pelinka was non-committal about the possibility of bringing back Schroder.

Recall that he shunned a previous $84 million contract extension offer for four years.

Pundits feel that he will have a hard time getting more than that this free agency, meaning scorning that offer could come back to haunt him.

Also, Schroder’s actions on social media as well as the recent swipe of Laker greats like Earvin “Magic” Johnson have dimmed the chances of seeing the German return next season.

Lastly, Schroder may end up getting less money than that $84 million offer made to him this season.

Given that situation, it all boils down to the best financial package the 17th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft can get.