Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers legend Magic Johnson: Dennis Schroder lacks 'winning mentality and attitude'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/5/21

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson does not believe Dennis Schroder fits well with the Purple and Gold.

Johnson said Friday during a radio appearance on AM570 LA Sports:

"Schroder, I don't think he's a Laker. That's just my opinion. I don't know if they're gonna sign him back or not. I don't think he brings the winning mentality and attitude that we need, and he had a chance to show that in this series, and to me, he failed in this series."

.@MagicJohnson on #DennisSchroder: "I don't think he brings the winning mentality and attitude we need." https://t.co/psbw6Y3ECn pic.twitter.com/Nb469AjiQZ
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) June 4, 2021

Schroder struggled in Games 4 and 5 of L.A.'s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, scoring eight points on just 3-of-22 shooting and four assists. For the series, Schroder averaged 14.3 points and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 40.3% from the field and 30.8% from deep. Those numbers were all lower than his regular-season output.

The 27-year-old, who will become a free agent this offseason, recently said he would love to return to the Lakers next season and will work very hard to make it happen.

Schroder reportedly rejected a four-year, $80 million contract from the Lakers during the regular season. After a shaky postseason performance, it's unclear if he'll be offered that much again.

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