Thu, Nov 19, 2020 at 10:15pm

SCHRODER SENT TO THE LAKERS

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired guard Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder for forward/guard Danny Green and a first-round draft pick (No. 28 overall) in 2020.

What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers will have to defend their NBA title with a revamped lineup in 2020-21, as several veterans are not expected to return. With the need for more guard help, LA adds a quality offensive player in Schroder (who is still quite young at 27), a dynamic and electric ball handler who will either come off the Lakers bench as the sixth man or start opposite LeBron James at the two-guard spot. Schroder may be important for an LA squad who might not bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley (plus the traded Green).

What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
For the Thunder, moving Schroder here makes sense after the club decided to trade veteran Chris Paul to Phoenix. Oklahoma City is clearing the way for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to take over as the team's main ball handler and distributor going forward. The Thunder decided to move Green immediately to Philadelphia in another trade that landed them veteran big man Al Horford, while the No. 28 overall selection went to Minnesota in a deal that also sent guard Ricky Rubio to the Timberwolves. OKC is playing for the future these days.

Fantasy impact
Schroder may have a similar role in LA that he enjoyed with the Thunder. He mostly came off the bench in OKC but played the two-guard position next to Paul most of the time. With the Lakers, he will do the same next to James most of the time, so expect his numbers to remain solid. Green's value in fantasy hoops is negligible at this point in his career.

Player focus

Oklahoma City Thunder

a first-round draft pick in 2020 (No. 28 overall)

Danny Green F/G

Los Angeles Lakers

Dennis Schroder G