NBA Rumors: LA Lakers await Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant’s returns to assess the need to improve their roster
NBA rumors suggest the LA Lakers' potential roster changes could depend on how things play out after Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant make their season debuts. The veteran role players have been on the sidelines due to injuries.
Here's what NBA insider Marc Stein reported regarding these rumors (via Lakers All Day Everyday):
“[The Lakers’] preference is to wait for the returns of Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant before making judgments that could lead to changes.”
Schroder and Bryant both suffered thumb injuries before the start of the regular season. The Purple and Gold are 3-10 in their absence. The duo aren't projected to be major difference-makers but could help the Lakers in certain areas.
“[The Lakers’] preference is to wait for the returns of Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant before making judgments that could lead to changes.”
- @TheSteinLine on the Lakers making a trade https://t.co/exWM1H3yYW
According to NBA rumors, Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant have progressed in their recovery. The duo could be available for the Lakers' next match against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, September 18.
Assessing why it's ideal for the LA Lakers to wait for Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant's returns
The LA Lakers front office has failed to surround LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis with a competitive roster. Apart from Lonnie Walker IV and Troy Brown Jr., the Lakers don't have the production they need from their role players to win games consistently.
Kendrick Nunn is among the players who haven't matched the expectations. He is yet to make an impact offensively for the Lakers in a backup guard role. Nunn has averaged a measly 4.7 points and 1.3 assists per game across 11 appearances, shooting 30.9% from the floor and 22.7% from 3-point range. He recorded six scoreless games while going a combined 0-for-25 from the field.
Dennis Schroder would be a viable candidate to play Nunn's minutes. He will be a compatible backcourt partner alongside Russell Westbrook to run the Lakers' second unit. The German point guard is an efficient 10-point-per-game scorer and has been impactful in a bench role for his previous teams. He is also a better defensive player compared to Nunn.
The Lakers also lack depth at the five. New signing Damion Jones has struggled as Anthony Davis' deputy. LA has had to rely on Wenyen Gabriel and LeBron James to fill in as backup centers.
The Lakers get a dynamic edge offensively due to their spacing in small-ball lineups. However, they are exposed defensively.
Thomas Bryant's return has become crucial in this regard. The LA Lakers could use him as a backup center. Ham could also use Bryant and Davis together as they can space the floor. The Lakers can go big by deploying the two bigs depending on matchups against some teams.
Also read: LA Lakers are historically disrespected from three-point range: NBA analyst
The LA Lakers need shooters and a defensive-minded center. If Schroder and Bryant can fill those needs to an extent, the Lakers can hopefully turn in better performances and buy some time before the trade deadline to analyze the best deals they can secure at an affordable price.
The 2027 and 2029 first-round picks are the only valuable trade assets the Lakers possess. They will need to use them wisely to secure a move that puts them back into championship contention.
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