Lakers' Schroder intends to start: 'I did this off-the-bench stuff already'

Dennis Schroder thrived as a high-scoring bench option for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 17 points over the past two seasons.

However, the newly-acquired Los Angeles Lakers guard intends to start at the point when the 2020-21 season kicks off next month.

"I did this off-the-bench stuff already in two years with OKC," Schroder told reporters Monday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I think I try to move forward, and I think with (Anthony Davis) and LeBron (James), I can be helpful as a starter in the PG position."

Schroder finished second to new teammate Montrezl Harrell in last season's Sixth Man of the Year voting. He averaged 18.9 points and established new career highs in field-goal percentage (46.9%) and 3-point field-goal percentage (38.5%) during the 2019-20 campaign.

Before joining the Thunder, Schroder started 161 games across five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.

James averaged an NBA-leading 10.2 assists as the Lakers starting point guard last season, though Schroder is looking to take part of the workload and pressure off the four-time Finals MVP.

"LeBron don't have so much stuff in his mind," Schroder said. "I can bring it up, call a set play or whatever, and put him in a position to score. I think him to play off-the-ball, I mean, is I think great. I think that's the reason why they brought me in."