Dennis Schroder missed four of the Los Angeles Lakers games due to the NBA Safety Protocol. While Schroder was only out for four games, the Lakers lost all four games. The Lakers were really struggling without both Schroder and Anthony Davis. Schroder had to return seven negative tests before he was able to return to play. It seems like Schroder did not test positive for Covid-19 but it was an exposure or violation of the NBA’s health and safety guidelines that kept him out.
In the four games where Schroder was missing, his absence was definitely felt by the team. The Lakers played the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat, the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz. LeBron James took on a lot of the weight to compensate for both Davis and Schroder being out. Even with LeBron taking on the challenge, that was not enough to push the team to victory. Schroder’s defensive presence and court leadership was missing.
Schroder returned on Friday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. Schroder hopped right back in like he never left. Schroder played 32 minutes on Friday and scored 22 points. Besides points, Schroder pulled down three rebounds, dished out two assists and committed two turnovers.
Courtesy of latimes.com
On Sunday, Schroder really got back his groove. The Lakers absolutely blew out the Golden State Warriors, 117-91. Since it was a blowout, the minutes played were pretty evenly dispersed. Sunday Schroder only played 25 minutes but still showed up in the box score. While Schroder only had 12 points, he had a +32 plus/minus on the game. Schroder dished out six assists and three rebounds.
With a +32 plus/minus, it is quite obvious that Schroder has a major impact on the Lakers’ team. While he isn’t going to necessarily score the highest points each game, he’s an energy guy. Schroder changes the energy of the game and brings out the intensity in the Lakers. While the All-Star Break is quickly approaching, the Lakers need to put their focus to completing the season. The Lakers need to get back to winning like they know they can even without Davis. With Schroder back, this may be the piece the team was missing.
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