Analyzing the Impact of the Lakers Acquiring Dennis Schröder to Replace Rajon Rondo

The defending World Champion Los Angeles Lakers strengthened their chances for a repeat by adding eight-year veteran guard Dennis Schröder, a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers sent much-maligned but three-time NBA champion guard/forward Danny Green and their 2020 first-round pick (28th overall) Jaden McDaniels from the University of Washington to OKC. Green in turn, was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers for center/forward Al Horford, the rights to 34th pick Theo Maledon from France, a future first-round draft pick, and the draft rights to Serbian guard Vasilije Micic.

Schröder's Stats

Dennis Schröder will replace a player he's often been compared to in Rajon Rondo.

Dennis Schröder averaged 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 30.8 minutes for 65 games (2 starts). He was the runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year Award (won by former Clipper and new Laker teammate Montrezl Harrell). He shot 46.9 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three-point range and 83.9 percent from the line.

Differences and Similarities With Rondo

It has been expected that veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, who was instrumental in the Lakers’ title, would be looking to cash in his “Playoff Rondo” success. It also had been speculated that his desire for a much-deserved raise could price the Lakers out of the running (the most they have is the full mid-level exception). The acquisition of Schröder essentially confirmed the departure of Rondo. Rondo and Schröder have been compared before; they both are listed at 6’1” with long arms. They both are crafty finishers, great playmakers, and have feisty personalities. They also have both improved their shooting over the years.

Now here are the differences: Schröder is younger at 28, compared to Rondo, who is 34. Rondo’s defense (as well as overall performance) can come and go in the regular season, but he was clearly dialed in on that end during the title run in the bubble. Schröder is also a capable defender. Rondo is a prototypical point guard, whereas Schröder is more of a scoring guard. Ironically, Rondo and Schröder actually clashed in a game last season between the Lakers and Thunder.

Rondo Spreads His Wings To Atlanta

On Saturday, after a two-year stint, Rajon Rondo officially departed from the Lakers, signing a 2-year, $15 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks. This is Rondo's sixth team. The Los Angeles Clippers were said to be interested in the 15-year vet's services as well. As stated earlier, Rondo was somewhat pedestrian in the regular season, averaging 7.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 20.5 minutes per game (48 games and 3 starts). He also missed 23 games due to injuries, including the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers with a broken thumb.

However, he was able to return in the second round against the Houston Rockets and his impact was invaluable. In 16 postseason games, he averaged 8.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He also upped his 3-point shooting from 32.8 percent in the regular season to 40 percent in the playoffs, and his overall shooting from 41.8 percent to 45.5 percent. Before his signing, Rondo gave a heartfelt thanks to the organization, fans and teammates.

Final Analysis

Schröder has been consistent as a starter and 6th man during the course of his career, and he figures to add more depth and some excitement to an already dynamic and dominant Lakers team featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But he will have big shoes to fill. Rajon Rondo is a two-time NBA champion who has a résumé of brilliant play, winning and unrelenting (and sometimes grating) leadership. Perhaps it is even a Hall of Fame résumé. "Doe" is one of only two players (Clyde Lovellette in the 50s and 60s) in NBA history to win a championship each with the fierce and historic rivals Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. Lovellette won as a Minneapolis Laker, so technically Rondo is the first to win in Boston AND LA.