The Los Angeles Lakers' top offseason priority is finding a center, preferably one that pairs well alongside Luka Doncic. They also need to add depth to their roster, players that JJ Redick can trust. It would be nice to have a two-way player off the bench, someone who wouldn't cost too much, given the Lakers' financial situation.
Depending on how things play out, LA could be tempted to reunite with a former player in free agency. Dennis Schroder had two separate stints with the Lakers (2020-21 and 2022-23). He has played for four different teams since his most recent stint in Los Angeles.
Schroder played for the Nets (23 games), Warriors (24 games), and Pistons (28 games) last season alone. He played a key role for Detroit in the second half of the season, helping the Pistons secure their first playoff berth in six years. Schroder averaged 12.5 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in the postseason, shooting 49.1% from the field and 47.6% from three.
The 31-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Detroit would love to re-sign him, but he might be a free agent that the front office lets walk, prioritizing Malik Beasley instead. If the Pistons don't keep him, perhaps the Lakers will be tempted to go after him.
Dennis Schroder will be an unrestricted free agent this summer
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According to NBA.com, the Lakers' bench [averaged 26.2 points per game](https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/traditional?SeasonType=Regular%20Season&StarterBench=Bench&dir=A&sort=PTS) in the 2024-25 regular season, which would have been the lowest in the NBA if not for the Knicks (and that's not saying much). They averaged 21.5 field goal attempts per game, the third lowest, above the Kings and Knicks.
In the playoffs, Los Angeles averaged 11 points per game, the lowest in the league, behind New York, which averaged 15.8. Redick pulled a Thibodeau in the playoffs, turning his back on the second unit. The Lakers won't make the deep playoff run they desire with LeBron and Luka if they don't bolster their bench. Having Schroder lead the second unit's offense (plus he can defend!) wouldn't be a bad idea, but as mentioned, LA has bigger offseason priorities.
They could go after Schroder if desired, though. The Lakers will have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to use in free agency, which will start at $14.1 million annually, or the taxpayer mid-level exception, which will start at $5.7 million annually.
Schroder could end up in LA for round three. To be honest, it wouldn't be all that surprising if it happened.