LOS ANGELES – Dennis Schroder missed the Lakers game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the team announced about an hour before hitting.
Schroder has started all 29 Lakers games this season, averaging 14.2 points, 4.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Wesley Matthews started in his place against the Nets.
He is only the third Lakers player to miss time due to his health and safety protocols this season, joining Alex Caruso and Alfonzo McKinnie. LA is one of a handful of teams that should not postpone any games due to COVID-19, with more than a third of the season.
The absence of Schroder was the last blow for a possible preview in the final. The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, who is not with a real calf strain and Achilles tendinosis. The Nets missed Kevin Durant for a third straight game due to a strained left thigh muscle.
The Schroder news clearly caught the Lakers off guard. Frank Vogel, coach Frank, said during his statements that Schroder is the key to LA’s plans to try to stop Kyrie Irving.
“They are prolific on the offensive side of the ball, so it’s going to be a good challenge for our defense. We’re looking forward to seeing the Dennis Schroder-Kyrie Irving game,” Vogel said. “I think it’s one that gives Dennis a different dynamic this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing the game.”
The Lakers did not announce how much time Schroder could miss or disclose what caused the health and safety protocols.