‘Dennis Schroder demands starting role’: Lakers to replace LeBron James with German as playmaker?

Dennis Schroder made it clear while being traded to the Lakers that he wanted a starting berth, unlike his sixth man role in Oklahoma City.

The Los Angeles Lakers consolidated their squad by adding Dennis Schroder to their ranks this offseason. With Rajon Rondo’s departure, Schroder is now the lone true point guard on the Lakers roster. The German narrowly missed the Sixth Man of the Year award over the last 2 seasons.

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Will Dennis Schroder replace LeBron James as the point guard for Lakers?

Adding Schroder to the squad isn’t as plug-and-play as it gets, however. Going from Green to Schroder is a definite step down on the defensive side of things. Green had a track record of being great in the playoffs on that end, and had more positional versatility as well.

Schroder is also a score-first guard unlike Rondo, who is the definition of pass-first. Keeping him in a starting berth raises some questions of fit as well.

Although Schroder is a better scorer than a passer, he’s no slouch as a facilitator. Especially when paired with a devastating pick-and-roll option like AD or a pick-and-pop shooter like Gasol.

The Lakers might just put him in a starting role, but play him with the bench more often than with the starters. It’s been known to happen with several players in the past.

One year ago today: LeBron hugged Dennis Schroder during a free throw.

Now, they’re teammates 😂🤗

(via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/3OYzOPMVOD

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 22, 2020

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How will the Lakers line up at the start of next season?

In all probability, the Lakers will move both Schroder and KCP into the starting lineup. The All Star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol should round out the starters. Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews and Alex Caruso will play the role of spark plugs off the bench.