by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- As good news came, they somehow seemed to be pushed into the background.
When Dennis Schroder lost in thought and played around with his kids on the court of the Berlin Arena, disappointment seemed to have taken hold of him after the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket host Germany lost to Spain 96-91 in the semifinal.
Having gambled away the chance to keep golden dreams alive in a nail-biting duel overshadowed the breaking news of his return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The point guard has signed a one-year contract reportedly worth 2.6 million U.S. dollars with the Lakers.
The German captain seemed trapped between present thoughts having to get his side back on track ahead of the bronze game against Poland on Sunday and future challenges in his new club.
He left under obscure circumstances in 2021 having rejected a four-year contract providing around 80 million U.S. dollars. Rumors spoke about him having lost orientation after a negotiation battle.
Engagements for the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets followed after his NBA career started in the Atlanta Hawks in 2013 and he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2018 on.
It didn't feel right last year, he said, adding nobody knows about the details and the true story behind it. "I felt misunderstood."
He now returns "to the biggest club to make things in the right way." He couldn't wait for the start. He mentioned and spoke about excitement. He promised to invest all and hope for unrestricted support of the "Lakers Nation every day."
Schroder seemed to struggle to get his emotions under control for some moments. His kids, dressed in Lakers shirts since the Euro tournaments started, might have helped to find his way back to his duties.
"We can still write history. That is enough motivation for us," he stated while Germany can win its first European medal since 2005 when losing the final to Greece.
Despite Schroder's 30 points against Spain, Germany spoiled several leads as the reigning world champion played out all its experience and showed the skills.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka praised Schroder's performance in the national team as "very successful," while rumors speak of the deal having been sealed in advance of the EuroBasket.
LeBron James welcomed Schroder: "Yessir! So very happy to have you back."
Things around the Lakers might have changed for Schroder as he is not only going to reunite with James but meet his former Atlanta Hawks coach Darvin Ham, who is reportedly fond of the German. ■
