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Dennis Schroder‘s return to the LA Lakers has been met with a hiccup. The German will reportedly miss the Lakers’ last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
The Lakers’ history with Schroder is interesting. After his first season with the Lakers in 2020-21, the point guard was reportedly offered a four-year $80 million deal, but he turned it down. He has now re-signed with a one-year veteran minimum contract at $2.64 million.
Schroder has come out to debunk the year-old rumor. He said that there was never an offer on the table. According to Lakers Nation, he had a great relationship with general manager Rob Pelinka but was not offered a contract:
“Me and Rob, we had a good relationship. He helped me and my family out every single time when I asked him to. But there never was a contract, never rejected anything. I don’t know who brought it up, but that’s the media.
“But end of the day, no contract and I’m just happy to be here. Like you said, unfinished business and we just got to take care of the stuff and win a ‘chip. That’s the goal and other than that with the contract, that’s not true. But I think you guys can ask Rob and see what he has to say about it.”
With that behind every party involved, Schroder recommitted to the Lakers. However, his return to action might be delayed.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Schroder has suffered a finger injury and will miss the preseason game against the Kings:
“Lakers’ Dennis Schroder has suffered a finger injury and his status is up in the air ahead of regular season next week, sources tell The Athletic Stadium. Schroder will not play in tonight’s game vs. Kings and is undergoing testing on severity and return timetable.”
While there is no timeline for his return, there is a chance he might miss the season opener, which is Tuesday. The Lakers will square up against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors.
Dennis Schroder says he has some unfinished business with the LA Lakers
The Lakers needed a point guard after their 2020 championship run, and they recruited Schroder. Although he was consistent, it was not enough to guarantee success for the purple and gold.
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Although LeBron James has always spoken highly of Schroder, he did not return as a Laker the following season. Given how their season ended with a first-round exit in the 2021 playoffs, Schroder believes he has some unfinished business with the Lakers. When asked how he felt about returning to Crypto.com Arena, he said:
“It didn’t feel anything like it, because it was no fans like you mentioned. The media and all that was not there. So, it was difficult times with COVID, but now being back here, that was another main reason why I came.
“Like I said, I’m excited to play in front of our fans, to compete and do everything in my power to win ballgames.
Schroder also said coach Darvin Ham was one of the reasons he returned to the Lakers. He highlighted their time together in Atlanta and said he is ready to do whatever to help the Lakers win games.
James is also excited by Schroder’s return. The four-time NBA champ said it is “great to have him back.” LBJ was also impressed with Schroder’s performance in the Euro Basket.
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