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LOS ANGELES – LeBron James could be one and has finished playing 1 for the Los Angeles Lakers. Newly acquired Dennis Schroder has said he intends to start guarding the defending champions.
“I’ve done it on the bench already in two years with OKC,” said Schroder, second behind teammate Montrezl Harrell for the sixth man of the year for his role with the Oklahoma City Thunder, said Monday during ‘an introductory videoconference with journalists. “I think I’m trying to move on, and I think with [Anthony Davis] and LeBron, I can help as a starter in the PG position. “
Schroder said he had not spoken to Lakers coach Frank Vogel about his desire to start, but his reps Alex Saratsis and Jeff Austin of Octagon have discussed this aspect with the Lakers front office before. LA Commercial Guard, Danny Green and No.28. Pick from the draft at the Thunder to close the deal.
“I think my agent spoke to the organization before they traded me in,” he said, “So that’s it.”
The Lakers have not settled their starting lineup, sources told ESPN. Although Schroder is considered for the starting point goalkeeper position, he could also be asked to fill the bench, sources said.
James, who turns 36 next month, led the league in assists for the first time in his career last season, averaging 10.2 per game, and led LA to the title while rising from his traditional position from small striker to leader.
Although James always played with the ball in his hands – playing the unofficial position forward – the change affected his score. His points per game fell from 27.4 in his first season in Los Angeles to 25.3, and his shot attempts per game fell from 19.9 to 19.4.
Schroder, who averaged 18.9 points and four assists per game as Chris Paul’s replacement for the Thunder last season, said he could ease some of James’s responsibilities as the four-time champion began his career. 18th season. “LeBron doesn’t (have) that much on his mind,” Schroder said. “I can talk about it, call up a stopped play or whatever and put him in a scoring position. I think he has to play off the ball, I mean, that’s great. I think that’s the reason for it. which they brought me. into. “
If Schroder starts, Vogel will need to get creative with the backup guard role, based on the Lakers’ current roster building. Rajon Rondo, who was the main substitute last season, signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent. And the Lakers have given up on Quinn Cook, who also played the position.
LA enters training camp with two other ballhandlers, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker, on the reserve list, but no player who has traditionally identified as a playmaker. The Lakers have also signed Zavier Simpson for a 10-piece contract, which would give him a bonus of $ 50,000 to play for the Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers, if he’s not on the roster. Simpson averaged 7.9 assists per game as a senior at the University of Michigan.
Schroder is in the final year of his contract and will earn $ 15.5 million this season. He was asked if he sees the Lakers as a long-term adjustment.
“At the end of the day, I’m just trying to focus on this year,” he said. “But if it’s a good deal and everything goes well, then of course I’m thinking long term. But I’m just trying to lock in now for this season, take it day to day and see if we come to an agreement on it. “
The eight-year veteran was in his native Germany when the trade with the Lakers was consumed. He has since moved to Los Angeles with his wife and two young children. He took a break after a practice session on the field at the Lakers’ training center in El Segundo, Calif., On Monday to lead the video conference over the phone, while wearing a purple Lakers shirt and yellow headband.
“It is an honor to be here in this organization,” said Schroder. “I think they brought me in for a reason. You know, we’ll try to repeat. I think for this organization, which has won 17 championships, this story is important. And being in the biggest platform of NBA, greatest team, greatest organization, I think I’m excited. I’m honored to be here. And I can’t wait to get started. “
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