Appointment of JJ Redick, and spending some time near the top of the Western Conference, the Purple and Gold fans thought this season would be different. With only 4 wins in the last 12, the Lakers are currently occupying the final spot in the Play in the tournament. And the previous season’s woes have continued as they failed to add players to aid the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There is a lot of heat on the GM, Rob Pelinka, and people are questioning his decision-making. One such miss was Dennis Schroder, as per the 11-year-veteran.

“I thought the Lakers should have tried to grab him. He plays perfect for them. It’s not DLo, DLo is a really good player, it’s not that DLo is doing anything wrong with the Lakers, it’s just the fit thing.” On his podcast, Austin Rivers explained how Schroder would have been a perfect fit for Redick and Co. The German-born is producing some of his exceptional numbers this season. Especially a career-high in assists and 3-point shooting.

“LeBron likes control, even though he is not a point guard, he likes being a PG. Schroder able to do that, while letting LeBron have the ball too and picks up full court and does all these little things.” Rivers continued how the 31-year-old will be able to take the responsibility that currently D’Angelo Russell or Gabe Vincent aren’t able to contribute to. “I thought Schroder was 100% going to the Lakers. And when I saw that, great pickup for them. They need a Schroder, they need it. Gabe Vincent hasn’t worked out, DLo’s good but not the right fit. I was like that would work, and he goes to Warriors. They snag him.”

The Golden State essentially got the point guard without losing anything of significance. As the trade included De’Anthony Melton, who is out for the season, Reece Beekman, and three second-round picks. Surely, the Lakers could have inserted themselves into this situation, as the point guard is only raking in $13 million this season. At least that is what Rivers thought. “I love Schroder; I just don’t like him for the Warriors; I love him for the Lakers. I thought he was a sure thing for the Lakers,” via Off Guard with Austin Rivers.

After missing 0n Dennis Schroder, the Lakers are favorites for another former player

As per multiple reports, Rob Pelinka is looking to add a solid, reliable center, a flat-out scorer who could help out LeBron and Davis. But they are still looking for a point guard like Dennis Schroder. And reportedly, Lonzo Ball is high on the list. As per Bovada, the Lakers have the highest odds to sign their former player.

Ball was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft but spent only two seasons with the franchise. Later he was traded to the Pelicans that brought Anthony Davis. Unfortunately, he missed out the last two seasons due to an injury but is back this season in the Bulls’ rotation. With 17.0 minutes per game (across nine games), he has averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Plus his shooting was decent, with 37.2 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from 3-point range.

After missing out on former player Dennis Schroder, could Ball be the solution to the Purple and Gold franchise’s problems? Because he is in the final season of his contract for the Bulls. Who else should Rob Pelinka add to help the Lakers be a real contender? Should they continue to look at former players?