Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers. (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Anthony Davis may have played a role in the Los Angeles Lakers not bringing back Dennis Schröder on a new contract this offseason.
Anthony Davis and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers will have yet another new starting point guard this year, as Dennis Schröder signed a contract with the rival Boston Celtics.
While the Lakers roster largely hinges on what LeBron James wants it to look like, apparently, Davis was frustrated by how Schröder managed the point a season ago. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report wrote on Wednesday that Davis did not feel he got the type of looks he was used to in the post with Schröder running the offense when compared to what Rajon Rondo did two years ago.
Not only is Rondo back with the Lakers, they also traded for Russell Westbrook this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis was frustrated with Dennis Schröder
Ultimately, this is championship or bust for the 2021-22 Lakers. James is not getting any younger, Davis has never been a player who can rely on physically and the bulk of their roster is over the age of 30. By bringing back Rondo and trading for Westbrook, the Lakers should have enough ball handlers to thrive, regardless of if James decides to bring the rock up the court or not this season.
As for Schröder, the Celtics are now the fourth NBA team he will be playing for. He was drafted out of his native Germany by the Atlanta Hawks before being shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the crazy Carmelo Anthony trade. While he will have opportunities to play a ton in Boston, this is a critical season for Schröder to prove he can be a starting-level point guard and not just a nuisance.
While many former teammates had issues with Schröder, Davis’ criticism of him is professional.