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The bullet that accelerates.
Naughty daniel.
The regular season hasn’t started yet, and new Los Angeles Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder already has two nicknames.
LeBron James nicknamed him “Dennis the Menace” due to Schröder’s pesky defense. And Lakers head coach Frank Vogel labeled Schroder the “fast bullet” because of his ability to play at breakneck pace on the court.
“That’s a big part of this year’s plan, to have Dennis with LeBron, take some of the pressure off,” Vogel said. “But it’s also his ability to play off the ball, that’s what we love about him. They are going to see intense and heavy moments together throughout this year. ”
Through exhibition play, Schröder has had the opportunity to play with James and demonstrate some of those unique skills he brings to the Lakers.
Schröder’s averaged 8.5 points, four rebounds and two assists in a game in 24 minutes per night in two preseason games. He has started as a point guard in both games he played, something Schröder said he wanted to do this season.
“We are just trying to figure things out, how we are playing on the offensive side and on the defensive side,” Schröder said. “We are trying to feel for each other, on the offensive side with what they like to do, go to the basket if they want to cut or not.
“Get an idea of the pick and roll with me and (AD) Anthony Davis. We’re going to get better at that. “
However, Schröder will not play Friday night against the Phoenix Suns due to a slight left ankle sprain he sustained against the Suns on Wednesday.
Instead, Alex Caruso (hip) is expected to return to the floor and off the bench, but his minutes will be limited. Vogel said Alfonzo McKinnie could have his first half tonight as well, although he hasn’t had a full practice with the team.
The starting lineup projected for tonight is LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Vogel has said he has not made a final determination on who the five starters will be for the start of the regular season next Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. James and Davis are expected to play in the third quarter against Phoenix, with the regular season beginning Tuesday.
“It’s just about being active,” said Schröder, when asked how he feels about working with the starters on defense. “I try to bring the ball in when I’m off the 3-point line and bring it in, that’s what we’re really focusing on because we have LeBron and AD down there who can create really tough shots.
“So basically, I try to be aggressive and I don’t look at them openly, that everything I’ve been doing basically, and I try to take advantage of the full court sometimes and try to get the energy going.
