German free agent point guard Dennis Schroder plans to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming NBA campaign, according to multiple reports.
Schroder, who played for the Lakers in the 2020-21 season, plans to sign a one-year deal worth up to $2.64 million ($A3.9m), according to ESPNwhich reported the deal along with The Athletic.
“Schroder was deciding between a few teams, the Lakers, the Raptors, as well as the Phoenix Suns, I’m told,” NBA insider Shams Charania said on ‘The Rally’.
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Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that the possibility of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench is “being strongly considered” amid the news of Schroder’s impending arrival.
“At a minimum, it seems clear Westbrook will have to outplay new additions Patrick Beverley and Schröder if he’s going to retain his starting role,” the report added.
“When Ham was asked about the possibility of Westbrook coming off the bench during his introductory news conference in early June, Westbrook, standing off to the side with a few teammates, laughed at the notion.”
Westbrook has $47 million ($A70m) left on his contract with the Lakers after opting into his final year.
As for Schroder, who turned 29 on Thursday, averaged 21.6 points and 7.3 assists for Germany in the EuroBasket tournament.
He averaged 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists a game last season for Boston and Houston, but his season ended early with a shoulder injury.
Schroder has reached the playoffs in seven of his nine NBA seasons, the last time in 2021 when the Lakers lost to Phoenix in the first round.
He rejected a long-term deal with the Lakers last year and signed a one-year deal with Boston before being traded to Houston last February.
Schroder adds a steady presence in a Lakers’ backcourt that includes nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook.
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