It was long rumored as a possibility, and Friday it happened. The Lakers reportedly are bringing back former PG Dennis Schröder on a one year, veteran's minimum deal worth just north of $2.5 million. Like many things the Lakers have done this offseason, it's a move that raises just as many questions as it answers. On the one hand, Schröder is definitely better than your average player at that salary. On the other, he just adds another body to an already crowded backcourt, one that might struggle to play with some of those other bodies, and put still more bodies on the bench for lack of available minutes.
Unless, of course...
The Lakers think they're on the verge of trading Russell Westbrook. Or they think Kendrick Nunn might not be quite as healthy as they hope. Or they worry about Patrick Beverley's health. Or they think they'll just reduce Westbrook's role significantly, or entirely. Or that they plan to run a lot - A LOT - of small lineups, so that guys like Austin Reaves can get the appropriate amount of playing time.
Big picture, the Lakers are looking at a very, very wonky and unbalanced roster right now, that in many ways mitigates the ability to use all of their best players effectively. Maybe the roster changes, but maybe not, as reporting indicates the Lakers really are looking at the potential solution to their Russ problem to be running out the clock and going into next offseason with cap space and two first rounders still in their possession.
So. Many. Questions.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Schröder is back! In a vacuum, what does he add to the roster?
SEGMENT 2: How the Lakers got here is another example of wildly bad asset management.
SEGMENT 3: How do they actually get Schroder on the court, with all other guards? What's the ripple effect if they do? Is a trade going to happen?
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