A starter in 50 of his 66 games this season, Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder came off the bench in Tuesday’s play-in game, but proved to be a difference-maker in Los Angeles’ overtime win. Schröder scored 21 points and was a team-high plus-22 in his 33 minutes. And while it didn’t end up being the game-winner, his three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left in regulation was the biggest clutch shot of the night.
“Whatever the team needs right now, I just try to get it done,” Schröder said of shifting to a reserve role, per Elliott Teaford of The Orange County Register (subscription required). “I didn’t even know before I got here. I see my name, that I’m not starting. End of the day, to play with those guys is easy, whether I’m coming off the bench or I’m starting. So, we are just competing on the highest level. We showed it again, and I’m glad we got the win.”
A free agent last summer, Schröder had to settle for a minimum-salary contract with the Lakers. That deal only covered one season, meaning he’ll be back on the market this offseason, and he’s making a strong case for a larger payday this time around. Since the Lakers will only hold his Non-Bird rights, it’ll be tricky for them to give the veteran guard much of a raise, but head coach Darvin Ham sounds like someone who’d like to see the team figure something out.
“Yeah, man, the kid is just – his heart, his competitive spirit, just his ability to make big plays and take tough matchups in the biggest of moments, his attitude, his confidence,” Ham said after Tuesday’s victory. “He’s unbelievable, extraordinary.”
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Fourth-year forward Rui Hachimura, a restricted free agent this July, played nearly the entire fourth quarter against Utah on Sunday and has showed that he’s capable of handling a larger role as the postseason begins, writes Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. Hachimura, who averaged 22.4 minutes per game in 33 regular season appearances with L.A., played 27 minutes in Tuesday’s play-in win — the Lakers outscored Minnesota by 20 points with Hachimura on the floor.
- Since joining the Lakers two months ago in a deadline trade, Jarred Vanderbilt has established a reputation as the team’s “Energizer Bunny” capable of making “Dennis Rodman plays” with his defense and energy, writes Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Unsurprisingly, Buha says the Lakers fully intend to exercise their team-friendly option worth $4.7MM on Vanderbilt for the 2023/24 season.
- In a Q&A with Shams Charania of Stadium (Twitter video link), Lakers guard Austin Reaves discusses a handful of topics, including his upcoming restricted free agency. “I want to be a Laker, so hopefully we can get this done and I can stay there for hopefully my whole career,” Reaves said.
Bubble Dude Lakers had a Statement Game win over Wolves last night
1. Lakers were among the best defensive teams in the NBA, finish with 16-7, the best record in Western Conference.
Edwards: 3-17, 0-9 total 9 points in 43 minutes
2. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were unstoppable
Statement? If that statement is we are ready to send the Grizz to Rd 2 you are correct
They actually have a better chance the my clippers of getting out of rd 1! It’s not much of a chance but even if Paul George healthy I would have suns in5 ! Now I have suns in 4 even with Kawhi
Lebron and AD were not “unstoppable” last night. At times, they were the worst players on the floor. Between Brons carless turnovers that happened all night long, and AD looking absolutely lost on pick and pops, the duo looked lazy.
A lot of things in LAs favor last night and it was still extremely close. KAT gets one less foul early on, Ant doesn’t go completely cold, Kyle Anderson takes a damn breather and Lakers are playing on Friday night.
Gonna be tough going forward…
Bron was good, keep um afloat in the 2 nd qrter and closed well
There was a ton of terrible basketball by all parties in – between
If Ad can channel half the mental fortitude as LBJ lakes will be tough , we shall see
LeBron on defense was real bad. A few times he didn’t even make it past half court. It did give him a easy bucket when the ball was stolen.
Davis was 10-19 for 24 points, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals 15 rebounds including 9 offensive rebounds. He was dominant and by far the best player on the court on either team.
Anthony Edwards was 3-17 for 9 points. If you had to describe his play in one word it would that word would be horrendous.
Lakers are under repeater tax starting this summer
Schröder needs pay cut to stay with Lakers. Coach Ham does not fully understand repeater tax.
If someone offers
DLo 3-year $90MM
Reaves 4-year $70MM
Rui 4-year $50MM
Then Lakers match the offer
Repeater tax would be huge
The article includes “A free agent last summer, Schröder had to settle for a minimum-salary contract with the Lakers.”
He can’t take a pay cut. Please read the damn article before spouting off.
reaves is not getting a 4/70 contract. Best I see him doing is a 3/40. Rui is not getting a 4/50. Dlo is not getting a 3/90.
Vandos gotten all the Love but my eyes have been on Rui for quite awhile as this board knows
Give him an offseason w Phil Handy and we will see great things
Lotta folk taking shots at Hams rotations, while unsettled I gotta give him props for the DS/Rui swap for DLo/Vandy
They Scored the first 5 of OT which felt like a double digit lead in this strange game
I like you Dennis but I wished you missed that shot. tired of EVERYONE helping James out
Silver in refs ear. “We need the Lakers to win and the wolves to lose!!!!!!!
I love haters LOL