LOS ANGELES – Dennis Schroder missed the Lakers’ game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the team announced about an hour before the tip.
Schroder had started all 29 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 14.2 points, 4.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Wesley Matthews started against the Nets in his place.
He is only the third Lakers player to miss time this season due to health and safety protocols, alongside Alex Caruso and Alfonzo McKinnie. LA is one of the few teams that haven’t postponed games due to COVID-19, with more than a third of the season already completed.
Schroder’s absence was the final blow to what could be a possible finale preview. The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, who is out with a proper calf load and Achilles tendon. The Nets missed Kevin Durant for a third straight game due to a strained left hamstring.
The news from Schroder has clearly taken the Lakers by surprise. During his pregame comments, Coach Frank Vogel pointed out that Schroder was key to LA’s plans to stop Kyrie Irving.
“They are productive on the offensive side of the ball, so it will be a good challenge for our defense. “I think Dennis is giving us a different dynamic this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing that match.”
The Lakers have not announced how much time Schroder might be missing or revealing that triggered the health and safety protocols.