Lakers’ Dennis Schroder Sustains Probable Long-Term Injury
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder has sustained a finger injury that could keep him out for a long time.
With the 2022-23 NBA season tipping off in a few days, the Los Angeles Lakers have received a piece of bad news. Dennis Schroder, who the Lakers signed to a one-year, $2.64 million deal in the offseason, suffered a right finger injury during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last October 12. However, the worst of it is yet to come, with The Athletic’s Shams Charania reporting that the Lakers are worried that this might be a long-term injury for Schroder.
This is indeed an unfortunate development for the Lakers, who are coming off a disappointing season riddled with injuries to their key players. They compiled a paltry 33-49 record during the 2021-22 season and failed to enter the playoffs. The 2020 NBA champions have lofty aspirations this upcoming season, but they obviously need their top cogs to be healthy.
There’s still no timetable for the return of Schroder, but it’s safe to say that he won’t be available when the Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors for their season opener on October 18. Without Schroder’s services, the Lakers will rely on Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Patrick Beverley, Austin Reaves, and Lonnie Walker IV in the backcourt, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge.
Schroder, who just turned 29 years of age last September, is on his second stint with the Lakers. He suited up for the Purple-and-Gold during the 2020-21 season, putting up a decent stat line of 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. Schroder’s ability to get buckets and make plays for his teammates makes him a valuable player for any playoff contender.
Dennis Schroder has had stops with the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and most recently, the Houston Rockets. He recently suited up for the German national team, where he led Germany to a third-place finish in the FIBA EuroBasket 2022.