Two games in his career as Laker, point guard Dennis Schroder would like to see the relationship become a long-term commitment.
“This is an incredible organization, which I have seen so far,” said Schroder, who was acquired by the Oklahoma City Lakers in mid-November for Danny Green and the rights to choose Jaden McDaniels.
“The companions are incredible, the people here, they do everything for you and your family. Exactly what you want to be. You want to be in that environment where you can just focus on basketball every day. “
But – and you knew there would be one – it won’t come cheap. The way he has played so far, it may be worth the investment because of the dimensions and depth he brings to the Lakers’ quest to win a second consecutive title on a condensed schedule that will likely include many rest periods for LeBron James and Anthony Davis .
Schroder, who may become a free agent after the season, reportedly declined an initial two-year $ 33.4 million extension offer from the Lakers just because he knew that patience could lead to a better payday if he waited until February 16. for ESPN, Schroder’s agent Alex Saratsis and the Lakers have started negotiations and will intensify those discussions as the February date approaches.
After that, the Lakers can offer him a starting salary of $ 18.6 million, which can lead to a base for him to stay.
He likes it here. The Lakers like him. And after an 18-point performance and six assists in the Lakers’ 138-115 victory over Dallas at the Staples Center on Friday – a strong streak from their 14-point game, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the first game – it is of course it is fitting in successfully.
“Dennis is a dynamic player. We are very excited to have you here, ”said coach Frank Vogel in a videoconference. “He’s a plague defensively, taking the entire court. Long arms, you can put your hands on the ball and deflect it. What he can do for our team really better than anyone is really getting to the front line and his ability to wreak havoc on defense and create things for others. “
It looks like an ideal wedding, but they are not yet at the altar.
“I certainly want to extend it, but it has to be fair to both sides,” said Schroder. “I would love to, but it has to be fair to both sides, that’s all I’m going to say.”
That’s all he needs to say for now, really, as he files his case in court for a long-term settlement.
The Lakers wanted it because they needed another ace to take some of the pressure off James and, to a lesser extent, Davis. They also wanted another scene maker, a role that Schroder has played well so far.
Leaving the bench for Oklahoma City, he established himself as a hardworking defensive player and was runner-up on the Lakers’ team, Montrezl Harrell, for the sixth man of the year award last season, but his intentions with the Lakers were to be a proprietor.
“I did it outside the bank in two years with OKC. I think I try to move on, ”he said at his first press conference with the Lakers.
Vogel would not undertake to initiate it, at least publicly. Schroder said he was not worried.
“I am a team player. Whatever it takes, what I need to do, I will do it. It’s the team first and we need to get some wins, ”he said on Friday’s videoconference.
“Of course I talked to the coach. It was my personal thing, I wanted to start this year, but I am a team player.
“Whatever it takes and what I need to do and bring to the table, I will do that. I’m not worried about it at all. What can I add to the games. ”
Highlights of the game of the Lakers’ 138-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Christmas.
He added that another dimension that the Lakers expected him to bring, and his teammates helped him adjust to the new team.
“They are making the transition easier for me. I think everyone came together. AD and LeBron led the way and did a great job in this situation and I think everyone is feeling comfortable, ”said Schroder.
“I think this group here is fun. We want to stop at the defensive end and then we just want to run on the offensive end, I think as soon as possible. I think so, you want to go out there and play with the energy, stop and run. That’s what we did [Friday] and we have to keep improving ”.
His own game has been strong because he took advantage of the opportunities that came when James and Davis caught the opponent’s attention.
“We want to get to know each other. It starts in practice to get to know each other at the games, ”said Schroder.
“Especially now, I see that LeBron can go straight to the track and put pressure on the rim. I can be aggressive because they attract a lot of attention … There is a lot of space for me to attack ”.
This could be the start of a long-term brokerage for Schroder and the Lakers, one that makes sense for both sides and has a profit for both.