Schroder explains why he turned down deal with Lakers

Share

Dennis Schroder's decision to turn down a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers backfired as the veteran point guard was unable to earn a better deal on the open market. Still, he's satisfied with his situation heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.

Schroder reportedly turned down a four-year contract extension worth $84 million, the most L.A. was allowed to pay him. Months after declining the offer, he settled for a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics for $5.9 million.

Forsberg: Celtics' first priority should be to become embraceable again

The 28-year-old shared his side of the story during Celtics Media Day.

"The Lakers told us we're not talking during the season," Shroder said Monday. "End of the day, I never had that contract in front of me, that's one thing. But they wanted to talk, and at the end of the day, me and my agent decided not to sign that contract."

Schroder adds that his choice to not sign with L.A. was more about his fit with the team than it was about money.

"I feel like for me personally I've got to be comfortable in the environment I'm in," he said. "I love the Lakers organization, they did great things. But I think for me, and it's just business, I don't think I fit in 100 percent (with the Lakers). You play with LeBron and AD, that's two of the best players in the NBA. I don't think I gave them everything I bring to the table.

"For me, my family, I signed a pretty good contract after my fourth year and my family and myself, we're going to be good. I'm 28 years old and I'm going to still play in the NBA for a long time. Money is not everything. I want to be comfortable in a situation where I know people appreciate me. How all this stuff happened, you just gotta look forward and just to try to keep improving and try to show people what you're capable of, and everything's going to come back."

In 61 games last season with L.A., Schroder shot 43.7 percent from the floor while averaging 15.4 points and 5.8 assists. He'll be an important piece for the Celtics this season, presumably as the sixth man backing up longtime C's point guard Marcus Smart.

You can watch Schroder's full Celtics Media Day press conference below:

Contact Us