Second chances are hard to come by. Well, Dennis Schroder might get his with the Lakers very soon. It has been three years since he reportedly turned down an $84 million extension with the franchise, hoping to get a better offer later. Unfortunately, that decision backfired miserably as his performance declined and so did his market value. However, Schroder is back in trade rumors once again as the Nets are going all in on a rebuild. Amid the buzz, the point guard’s surprising sighting at tonight’s Lakers game has left the fans in a frenzy.

Yes, as the Lakers faced the Suns, Schroder was in attendance sitting courtside to witness the NBA Cup encounter. Maybe, he was there to assess the opposition because the Nets are scheduled to face the Suns on a back-to-back tomorrow.

However, netizens instantly connected the sighting to the ongoing trade rumors with the Lakers. Obviously, Schroder has worn the Purple and Gold in the past during his two brief stints with the team. He was unable to extend his stay for more than a season on both occasions. But his market value has skyrocketed this year because he is averaging eighteen points and a career-high 6.5 assists with the Nets.

Sure enough, there is reported interest from Rob Pelinka and Co. to bring the German star back for the third time. And veteran insider Bill Simmons even drew up a mock package to show how the trade could happen, “Could they package Schröder and Finney-Smith for the Lakers for the D-Lo contract, Christian Wood, something else and get one of those first-round picks from the Lakers that they’re still hoarding? They probably could.”

Of course, D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistency has been a glaring issue this season. And the Lakers would likely improve if they have Schroder running the offense instead of him.

Laker Nation hopeful after shocking Dennis Schroder sighting: “D’Angelo’s Replacement”

Obviously, fans quickly noticed Schroder sitting courtside next to the Suns’ bench and comments like “That isn’t Dennis Schröder sitting courtside by the Suns, is it?” and “The funniest thing is that Dennis Schroder is courtside rn lol” began flooding in.

Many netizens even went a few steps ahead and deemed him a future Laker right away, “Dennis Schroder at the game I’m shaking he’s a Laker.” Surely, Laker Nation would love to have Schroder back, especially because he has grown a lot since the last time he played for them. Just last year, Schroder became the FIBA World Cup MVP after leading his nation to the world championship.

One netizen was even ready to bid goodbye to D’Lo after Schroder’s sighting, “Please let him be D’Angelo’s replacement.” Well, Pelinka is no stranger to making blockbuster trades because that’s how he added D’Lo, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt to the squad. And he could do it once again by dealing away Russell in exchange for Schroder.

Moreover, fans believe that the Lakers will not only thrive on offense with Schroder, but will also be a menace on the defensive end, “Dennis Schroder with Vanderbilt and Anthony Davis would make us a top 5 defense again.”

Well, JJ Redick’s squad has lost the momentum he started the season with after recent losses. And Schroder’s addition would definitely help boost their confidence and their chances of contending for a title. Do you agree?