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The USA defeated Germany on the pre-Olympic exhibition tour with a final score of 92-88. It all seemed to be in Germany’s favor until LeBron James took over, dominating with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading Team USA to victory. According to reports, the 39-year-old legend will be the male flag bearer for Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics. In a post-match interview, James was asked about playing against his old teammate, Dennis Schröder. Schröder, a 30-year-old German point guard who played for the Lakers twice, is known for his speed, versatility, scoring ability, and defensive contributions.

However, the LA Lakers superstar, LeBron James when asked about “any funny back and forth without Dennis?” to which he replied, “didn’t seen an ultimate competitor, loved being his teammate, love competing against him, he want to go out in every single game he plays, plays with still a love every single game he plays, so always good to have heard, appreciate it”.

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LeBron James and Dennis Schröder have shared a happy relationship on and off the court. Their frequent interactions on social media are a beautiful sight for their fans. It is rare to see such a strong relationship continue after players leave and join other teams. Supporting each other despite being opponents is a true test of sportsmanship.

Dennis Schröder: A Rollercoaster Journey NBA Career

Dennis Schröder’s hasty exit from the LA Lakers marked the end of his rollercoaster journey with the team. The Lakers signed him to a $2.64 million deal in 2020, marking the beginning of his journey with the team. He played his first game for the Lakers against the LA Clippers on December 22, 2020, scoring 14 points, with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. As the season progressed, he missed seven games and was sidelined twice due to COVID-19 protocols.

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He played 61 games that season, averaging 15.4 points and 5.8 assists per game, with 43.7% shooting from the field and 33.5% from 3-pointers. However, Phoenix eliminated the Lakers in six games, and his numbers dropped during the playoffs, resulting in 14.3 points, 2.8 assists, 40.3% shooting from the field, and 31.9% from 3-pointers.

At the end of March 2021, rumors suggested that the Lakers were ready to offer a four-year, $84 million contract extension. However, during the off-season, the Lakers traded for point guard Russell Westbrook. After the 2020-2021 season, Dennis Schröder agreed to a contract with the Boston Celtics. In 2022, he signed with the Houston Rockets but was later ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

He then returned to the Lakers in 2022, signing a $2.64 million deal. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 21 points, with 41.7% shooting from the field and 75% from 3-pointers. He left the Lakers again in 2023 to join the Toronto Raptors, signing a $26 million contract, while the Lakers signed Gabe Vincent for $33 million. However, Schröder’s tenure with the Raptors lasted only a year, during which he achieved 10,000 career points after a win against the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 135-128.

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After leaving the Toronto Raptors, he joined the Brooklyn Nets on February 8, 2024, with a $13 million deal. Schröder’s NBA journey began when the Atlanta Hawks selected him in the 2013 NBA Draft. He played for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018 before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2018 to 2020. His NBA journey is a testament to his ability to adapt to challenges. Thanks to his versatility and unique playing style, he continues to contribute significantly to the teams he plays for.

What do you think about LeBron James’ sentiments toward Dennis Schröder despite his exit from the Lakers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!