The Los Angeles Lakers have received an ample dose of bad injury news in advance of the first regular season game. One of the players who will be shelved for a while is guard Dennis Schroder, who has a finger injury and is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks.
It’s a shame because Schroder has the ability to help the team with his ball handling, speed, passing and ability to score when needed.
Perhaps his more valuable asset as far as the Lakers are concerned is his ability to get in the face of opponents and pressure them defensively.
It’s something Anthony Davis saw during Schroder’s first stint with the team in the 2020-21 season, and he readily gave the German native praise for that attribute of his game.
Via Lakers Nation:
“He’s great on the ball,” the Lakers forward said after a recent practice. “Even today, first day in practice and we all took three dribbles and we had to give it up so with him and (Patrick Beverley) in that backcourt defensively, that’s what he brings – 94 feet.”
“Pat will probably get mad because he calls himself Mr. 94, but both of those guys are able to contain the ball. He brings a different dynamic to our team, for sure.”
Last season, Los Angeles greatly lacked perimeter defense. This season, between Schroder, Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and possibly Austin Reaves, it should be significantly improved, even if it is still somewhat lacking.
