Lakers guard Dennis Schröder has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols, tweets Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Schröder will be eligible to play in the final two games of L.A.’s regular season — Saturday at Indiana and Sunday at New Orleans — but coach Frank Vogel hasn’t decided whether to use him.
Schröder first entered the protocols on May 2, forcing the Lakers to get by without a key backcourt piece during an important stretch of the season. L.A. is currently in seventh place with a 40-30 record and will need to win its final two games to have a chance at avoiding the play-in tournament.
Schröder is averaging 15.5 points and 5.8 assists through 59 games while shooting 44% from the field and 34% from three-point range. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Vogel also said “there’s a chance” LeBron James will play Saturday, McMenamin adds. James had hoped to return from his ankle injury on Tuesday or Wednesday, but had to delay it. James is officially listed as questionable. Anthony Davis is listed as probable, although he didn’t practice today.
Schroder needs to come off the bench.. the 2nd unit needs the scoring and ball handler.. at this point, put Mathews and Kcp as the starting guards with lebron being the primary 1st unit ball handler.. schroder is too small and the scoring he provides is needed on the 2nd unit.. he wanted t start because he’s a pending free agent and wanted starter money.. he’s best served in a bench role.
Agreed but only if they start Caruso. Otherwise you have a logjam at point guard with THT AC and Schroder all coming off the bench. Most teams want to tighten their rotations but I’d like to see the Lakers play 11 guys and utilize their depth based on matchups. Vogel has his hands full trying to push all the right buttons.
Should have always been this way but “starter status” etc has gotten in the way. And now needing to resign or lose $ is an issue. Lebron and Shröder minutes should be staggered with Shröder at point when LJ is sitting. i.e. 2nd unit. Starting guards should be KCP and Caruso. Mix in Ben and Wes when more shooting is needed and D is working. THT should be used as a wild card to disrupt the D with his wackiness. Also none of the alternate points are very good distributors but nothing can be done about that now.
Ill never understand ya Lakers1….you go after Kuzma and Dennis all year then want to start Wes Mathews in the playoffs? Wes Mathews?!!!!
Wes Mathews because of the defense and the experience.. he’s A lot like Danny green.. shot shows up every 4 games but he plays d and
Its admirable Wes has fought as hard as he has while in lately but he’s heading for DNP’s in the playoffs
I agree Bron takes value outta Schroeder, no doubt, but he should still start, the rotations just need to be catered later on in the game so when Lebron sits Dennis is on the floor –
Dennis does a lot more imo than you give him credit for ….while some might classify an early iso, no pass, drive to the basket as selfish play by Dennis I think its more of a great benefit to LeBron not having to work 100% on every possession and makes him an underrated pairing to Lebron even if your not getting his full value 48 mins a game. Id like to see Caruso as the qrter closer w LBJ…..good time for Dennis to sit
I think tht is being groomed to replace schroder in offseason.. schroder not coming back nor are lakers paying him what he wants
Why would the LAL wanna avoid the play-in???
If they do they will have a R1 match up with DEN & a possible R1 exit…
If they stay at #7 they will have a R1 match up with PHO or UTA which will be a lot easier & guaranteed to pass to the R2, so it is in their best interest to stay put at #7!
Because lakers can easily beat the nuggets. Beat them 2 of 3 and lakers are in nuggets head plus nuggets don’t have murray