Why the Lakers Signed Dennis Schröder, and Patrick Beverley's Reported Defensive Role

The Lakers made weekend news signing free agent guard Dennis Schröder to a one-year deal, bringing him back for a second run in El Segundo. Through the weekend, more reporting emerged explaining why the Lakers thought it was a good idea reunite with the mercurial German. There was a good performance at Eurobasket, which is some pretty high end competition. And that he went to play there without the security of an NBA deal in hand. (A cynic would note that added need for him to go play, in order to get one.) There was lobbying from Schröder to return, and some strong statements about righting unfinished business on his Instagram page that demonstrates a desire to contribute to the purple and gold. And, of course, some practical understanding that more depth could come in handy, given lingering question marks around Kendrick Nunn's health and a fairly well-established injury history with Patrick Beverley (he's missed a ton of games over the last few seasons). Plus LeBron James, and natural worries about his body at age 39. But how exactly do the Lakers plan on getting all these guys on the floor? Well, they're gonna have to go small, first of all. And it might also mean using Beverley in creative ways, as a 3-and-D guy often assigned to be the team's primary wing defender. Now, a lot of work is being done defining "wing," here. Can't imagine the Lakers spend a lot of time letting Beverley spend games running with, say, Jayson Tatum. But what about bigger 2-guards? Do they plan on using Austin Reaves more as a 3? What about Lonnie Walker IV? Bottom line, while the Lakers can claim they'll play all six members of the backcourt, practically speaking it's nearly impossible, if any of Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Troy Brown ever get to take off their warmups. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why did the Lakers bring Schröder back? SEGMENT 2: How much does Schröder's Eurobasket success really matter? Is Pat Bev as primary wing defender a sustainable strategy? SEGMENT 3: How exactly can the Lakers play all six of their guards? Step one, go real small. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! RocketMoney Cancel unnecessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to RocketMoney.com/LockedOn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices