Lakers: 3 free agents to avoid this offseason

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ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 26: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball up the court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

1. Dennis Schroder

Schroder has the Lakers front office squarely positioned between a rock and a hard place this offseason. The team can exceed the salary cap significantly to re-sign him since he’s their own free agent. The team can’t spend the same type of money on a player who wasn’t on their roster last season.

That reality will embolden Schroder’s representatives to ask for a mammoth contract from the Lakers. They’ll do that despite the obvious reality that he didn’t live up to expectations for Los Angeles last season. The idea was that Schroder could carry the offense while James was on the bench and still be a quality shooter when the game’s ultimate playmaker was on the floor.

Schroder struggled mightily in both roles. The Lakers might be tempted to bet on the 27-year-old to play better next season after becoming more comfortable with the team’s system, but it’s still hard to imagine him becoming anything close to a positive contract.

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Instead, the Lakers should pursue a sign-and-trade for the German guard. That sort of move won’t bring back a massive return for Los Angeles, but it will help maximize the return they can get for Schroder. If he returns to the team next season it’s hard to imagine the Lakers really enjoying a top-notch offseason.

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