After their first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs, Magic Johnson does not believe that guard Dennis Schroder is a true “Laker.”
The Los Angeles Lakers had the goal of winning back-to-back NBA championships, but they could not overcome the hurdles that were the Phoenix Suns and Anthony Davis’ injury. The Lakers have a lot of players set to hit the open market this summer, but if Magic Johnson were still running the team, he would not bring back one player in particular.
During an appearance on AM 570 in Los Angeles this week, Johnson said that guard Dennis Schroder failed in the first-round and feels that he is not a Laker. You can listen to Johnson’s full comments in the video below.
Magic Johnson does not think Dennis Schroder is a Laker
Some very harsh criticism from Johnson on Schroder, who is looking to secure a contract this offseason. While the Lakers legend was tough in his assessment of Schroder, he did stress that he will support the guard if he were to re-sign with the team this summer.
The Lakers acquired Schroder last year in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Danny Green and the draft rights to Jaden McDaniels. The team had plans of Schroder being their starting point guard to help lead the team’s “run it back tour.” Midseason, the Lakers reportedly offered Schroder a $84 million contract extension, but the guard turned it down.
Through Los Angeles’ six first-round playoff games, Schroder averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists a night while shooting 40.3 percent from the field.
The Lakers are going to look for answers as to how they can return to their championship form from 2020. If Schroder were to hit free agency, he is going to receive some attention from point guard-needy teams. While Magic would welcome Schroder back with open arms if that were in the Lakers’ plans, he wanted the world to know that the guard’s performance did not instill confidence in him.