Lakers News: Outgoing Role Player Had Big Impact On Teammates

Sometimes teams have to make a choice in free agency...

NBA free agency is always a fun time but it's also a time for fans and teammates to say goodbye to some of their favorites. It's the most troubling part of the period and for the Lakers, the player that they will miss the most this upcoming season will be point guard Dennis Schroder. Schroder signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors after LA came to an agreement with former Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent. 

The Lakers couldn't afford the contract that Schroder was looking for anymore so he pivoted away from LA despite his want to return. Schroder was one of the leaders for the Lakers last season and was an energizer on the court. Prior to game six of the teams playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Schroder set the tone with his aggressiveness with a conversation with Anthony Davis. LA ended up closing out the series in a big way that night, eliminating the defending champions. 

"I told him, 'Listen, this game is going to be different,'" Schroder recalled. "'Just match my energy, follow me, and Draymond tries anything, I got it, don't worry. Just play. And this game is ours.'"

Per ESPN.com

Schroder is a tough player that doesn't back down from anyone, even a four time NBA champion. He brought the heart to the Lakers last season and he will be missed as he meant so much to the Lakers. He became a fan favorite during his second stint with the Lakers and many fans wanted him back. However, fate had other ideas. 

Newly re-signed guard Austin Reaves spoke about Schroder prior to free agency and what he meant to him as a teammate. 

"He's one of the best teammates I've met," Lakers guard Austin Reaves told ESPN."

Per ESPN.com

The sentiment was echoed around the Lakers locker room but that's just part of the game. Sometimes you lose players like that but the key is to keep moving forward. We all wish Schroder the best and future success, except for when he plays against the Lakers of course.

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