The Los Angeles Lakers have lined up what will be the first trade of the NBA offseason. They will acquire Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder. What does that mean for Rajon Rondo?
According to New York Times’ Marc Stein, the Lakers trading for Schroder was a pre-emptive move anticipating the departure of Rondo in NBA free agency.
By involving Danny Green in the trade for Schroder, the Lakers managed to optimize their salary cap obligations. It’s almost a completely neutral move in that regard— making it a simple exchange to find an answer at the point guard position ahead of Rondo’s free agency.
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The Lakers’ acquisition of Schroder is a considerable acquisition that will bring new dimensions to the team. He is coming off a highly efficient season in the catch-and-shoot department and that’s a strong attribute for an explosive guard with a solid pull-up jumper.
It’s important to not discount the contributions that Rondo made to the Lakers’ successful run to the NBA title. His defensive impact remained strong but particularly his passing against the Miami Heat zone proved to be invaluable.
It remains to be seen where Rajon Rondo will sign in NBA free agency. Regardless, there will be no shortage of contenders interested in adding him to help address their point guard depth, especially given his extensive playoff experience.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have to navigate the fact that Dennis Schroder will be on an expiring contract. Next offseason, it will be important to retain him under a new deal when considering they do not have a 1st round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
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