Lakers New Recruit Dennis Schroder Brings Forward a Huge Problem Coming Frank Vogel’s Way

The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the winners of the 2020 Free Agency. They signed Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol, and Wesley Matthews, while also pulling off a trade to acquire Dennis Schroder.

But before the season could even start, there appears to be trouble brewing up. During his first press conference as a Laker, Schroder didn’t sound thrilled when he was asked about coming off the bench for his new team. He said, “I did this off the bench stuff already the last two years in OKC … I think with LeBron and AD I can be helpful as a starter in the PG position.”

In his seven-year career so far, the German has been the starter for just two seasons. He started as a bench star for the Hawks before working his way to the starting spot. He again moved to the bench for OKC, but now he feels it’s time to step up.

Will this be a problem for the Lakers?

Last season, Schroder finished as the runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year race. He started just 2/65 games and came off the bench to average 18.9 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 38% from three. While those are good numbers undoubtedly, the Lakers’ best player is their point guard, LeBron James.

Starting Schroder as the point guard would force either Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Matthews to the bench. After the season KCP had for the Lakers as the starter, it would be odd to bench him. And if Matthews doesn’t start, the bench comes weak. But if Schroder wants to start, Matthews is most likely to be benched.

Coach Frank Vogel will now have to figure out rotations where the bench doesn’t fall too weak. LeBron would be back to playing as a forward, although he is still going to be the primary ball-handler since Schroder isn’t a good playmaker.

While one could say that the new recruit sounds demanding, he has earned his stripes. He is going to be a huge addition to the team, and the Lakers have got much stronger now. They are the favorites to win the title and go back to back.

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