The Los Angeles Lakers and point guard Dennis Schroder have begun discussions on a contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
According to Woj, Schröder already rejected a two-year, $33.4 million extension from the Lakers which was the most they could offer him before February 16th. As such, it’s expected that the two sides will pick up negotiations again around that time.
The maximum extension he would be able to sign then is a four-year, $83 million deal starting at $18.3 million in the first year. Whether the Lakers reach agreement on an extension or not, they would retain his Bird Rights and have the ability to go over the cap to retain him as a free agent. If the Lakers lose the point guard, they would find it difficult to replace him with their cap limitations.
After Friday’s Christmas Day win over the Dallas Mavericks, Schroder told reporters that he “would love to” sign an extension with the Lakers, so long as it’s a fair deal for both sides.
Dennis Schroder says he wants to extend his deal with the Lakers. Calls the Lakers a "hell of an organization." "I would love to. It's just got to be fair on both sides."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 26, 2020
Anthony Davis seemed more than happy to hear the news, as well:
AD nodded and appeared to mouth "wow" when told there were reports that Dennis Schröder was negotiating an extension with the Lakers.
"From what I see, he likes it here so far, and that'd be great to lock him in for the next couple years."
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 26, 2020
The Lakers already have LeBron James, Davis, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Kyle Kuzma under contract for at least the next three years. Kuzma signed an extension before the December 22nd deadline for players still on their rookie contracts.
Schröder had a strong debut on Tuesday, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing six assists. He was named the team’s starter after finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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