“We gave it everything we had”: Schroder on Lakers’ season in review
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (29-Germany) reflected on the 2022-23 season.
“I was trying to get it right, and I think we did that,” Schroder told the media on Thursday morning (ET) when asked to summarize the Lakers’ season.
“We gave it everything we had and it was a great season,” he said. “Obviously the key players will be back and the Lakers will try to retain them. Because we were so close to contending for a championship. But luckily, I’m not in a position to make those decisions.”메이저놀이터
Additionally, in response to teammate LeBron James’ comments on March 23 that hinted at retirement, Schroder said he believes LeBron will return. “That’s not going to happen,” he said, adding that he believes LeBron still has the ‘fuel’ to go for 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals and expects him to play for a few more years.”
Schroder was the Lakers’ starting point guard in the 20-21 season, but left the team after a disappointing playoff run. After a resurgence at EuroBasket 2022, Schroder rejoined the Lakers on a minimized contract. He was named the starting point guard for the Lakers’ final game of the season.
This season, Schroder played in 66 games (50 starts), averaging 30.1 minutes per game and averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 41.5% field goal shooting (9.8 attempts), 32.9% three-point shooting (3.4 attempts), 85.7% free throw shooting (3.8 attempts), and a +125 court margin.
He followed that up with a +14 court margin in the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, making the closing game even easier with a 100% (8-of-8) free throw percentage.
Schroder’s real breakout game came against the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs, where he averaged 10.3 points, two rebounds, and three assists on 43.8% shooting from the field, 35.3% from three, 77.8% from the free throw line, and a +40 court margin while playing an average of 26.5 minutes per game in six games against Golden State.
He then failed to control Jamal Murray in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, but his tenacious defense wore him down by Game 4.
Schroder’s season was also marred by his lack of leadership skills as a starting point guard.
However, Schroder’s tenacious defense, along with his fight-through defense, which is among the best in the league, helped his team win games. His high free throw percentage and quickness also made him reliable in clutch time, making him an excellent backup point guard.
Meanwhile, Schroeder will play for Germany at the FIBA World Cup this summer.