Dennis Schroder: LeBron James Told Me He’s Happy About Lakers Return

Now that Dennis Schroder‘s run with Germany in the FIBA EuroBasket is finished, it’s time to focus on his new team.

That would be the same as his old team — the Lakers, of course. As you know, Schroder played in LA two seasons ago, before spending last year with the Celtics and Rockets.

He’s not the only who’s pleased about his return. According to Schroder, LeBron James is happy, too.

“LeBron said he was glad he got me back,” Schroder said, via Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. “It’s unfinished business. That year when I was there, there were no fans. There was COVID, everybody was hurt. This year hopefully, everything stays good, everybody stays healthy, and then we’ll try to go for something.”

Last season, the Lakers let Schroder walk in free agency in favor of Russell Westbrook. It went even worse than the year before — as the Lakers finished 33-49 and failed to make the playoffs.

Interestingly, Schroder and Westbrook are former teammates with the Thunder. So they have experience playing together.

“I’ve been talking to the Lakers for the last three months,” he said, via Urbonas. “I knew I was going back, but I wanted to take my time.”

By the way, James didn’t just tell Schroder how excited he was to have Schroder back. He let the whole world know on Instagram.

“Yessir!! So damn happy to have you back!! You’re like that! LFG!!!” James wrote.

Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Schroder will be receiving a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum of $2.64 million.

Schroder, 28, is 6-foot-3 and appeared in 14 games with the Rockets to finish the season. He played 49 for the Celtics before that, averaging 14.4 points and 4.2 assists. He has also spent time with the Thunder and Hawks.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Dennis Schroder back to the Lakers,” GM Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Not only do Dennis and Coach Darvin Ham share a player-coach history together, but they also reflect one another’s mentality of toughness with an extremely competitive edge. Dennis will add both depth and an on-ball defensive presence to our core at the guard position.

“He is also a proven scorer and playmaker. We are really excited for Dennis to get to camp and get back to work in L.A. after his highly successful run with his national team this offseason.”

OFFICIAL: That's Tuff ?? pic.twitter.com/KgxrU527U1

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 17, 2022