When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for point guard Dennis Schroder, it was almost assumed that he would sign a long-term extension with the team rather than enter unrestricted free agency in the 2021 offseason. Then, as time passed, it became clear that Schroder — while he loved the Lakers — wanted to be a free agent and be courted by other teams.
All of this began circulating at the same time that his name was being mentioned as one of the pieces potentially going to the Toronto Raptors in a deal for Kyle Lowry. The Lakers reportedly offered the Raptors a package of Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but ultimately backed out when the Raptors asked for Talen Horton-Tucker as well.