Lakers take another hit as Dennis Schröder enters NBA’s COVID-19 protocols
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It is coldly fitting for a season where the Lakers haven’t been able to align their forces all at once that, just as it seemed things were coming together, they would lose yet another critical piece.
There was an air of weariness for coach Frank Vogel before Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, when he acknowledged that, yes, Dennis Schröder would miss the start due to the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols. It’s the fifth game the point guard has missed due to the protocols, and like the last time that he went out, the team cannot publicly disclose how much time he’ll miss.
“I mean obviously he’s a heavy usage player for us, so it’s a big loss,” Vogel said. “But we’ve got plenty of guys who can step up in his place and carry that load.”
An offseason trade acquisition, Schröder has become critical to the Lakers’ lineup, averaging 15.5 points and 5.8 assists during the season. The last time he missed games due to the health and safety protocols, the Lakers went 0-4 with LeBron James but without Anthony Davis. As a ball-handler and off-the-dribble offensive threat, he’s hard to replace.
The Lakers had the fortune of returning Alex Caruso, who missed two games with back spasms. And of course having James in the lineup gives them one of the most reliable primary ball-handlers in the league. But it is a significant setback for a team already operating under a condensed timeline to build on-court chemistry with James and Davis back from long-term injury, and Andre Drummond as a midseason addition.
Vogel remained stoic after the latest bit of bad news.
“Yeah it’s a big challenge, but we’re up to the task,” he said. “And certainly none of us feel like nine games is enough for LeBron and AD to get their rhythm and timing back where it needs to be, and to integrate guys like Ben (McLemore) and Drum and get the chemistry where it needs to be, but we’re gonna make the best of it. And it’s gonna be enough.”
The Lakers are also attempting to manage their players intelligently with four back-to-backs in the final two weeks of the regular season, adding another thorny decision process for the coaching staff and medical team.
Vogel said he hoped that James, who missed 20 straight games with a right high ankle sprain, would be able to play Monday against Denver, but that he would see how his ankle feels overnight before making a final decision.
Lakers honor Gianna Bryant pregame
Saturday was a solemn day for the Bryant family: Gianna Bryant, who died in the 2020 helicopter crash with her father, Kobe Bryant, would have turned 15 years old.
In honor of her birthday, Vanessa Bryant released a unisex clothing collection through designer Dannijo, the proceeds of which Bryant and the manufacturer said will go directly to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. The foundation was created last year to benefit underserved sports leagues and promote young women’s opportunities in sports.
As a team, the Lakers donned the collection on Sunday as they walked into Staples Center. The Golden State Warriors had made a similar gesture on Saturday before their game, and other celebrities — including Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Mendes, Adam Levine and Cindy Crawford — posted pictures of themselves wearing the tie-dyed sweats, inspired by a sweatshirt Gianna wore courtside to a Lakers game with her father.
As of Sunday evening, the collection online was sold out.