Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard Dennis Schroder has been officially ruled out of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets due to health and safety protocols. The announcement was made just an hour before tip-off by Mike Trudell of Spectrum SN.

Article Continues Below

A guy being a late scratch due to the league's new health and safety protocols isn't something new. We've actually seen players being called off the court in the middle of a game with the NBA's strict contact tracing policy to try and battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the first time though Schroder will be missing time in his debut season in LA. The 27-year-old's first 29 games for the Purple & Gold have been solid with an average of 14.2 points and 4.3 assists per game in 31.1 minutes. More importantly, Schroder has been able to bring some defensive intensity in their backcourt which has been key for the Lakers as they continue their quest for back-to-back titles this season.

With the Lakers already being short-handed with Anthony Davis' Achilles issue, Laker Nation is hoping that Schroder's case is merely precautionary. The defending champion will now be without two of their starters against the Nets who, coincidentally, are also missing a few key players. Kevin Durant will be missing his third straight game due to a left hamstring strain. Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of the huge match-up. If Irving plays on Thursday, it'll be in the hands of Alex Caruso to try and lock-up the former NBA champion.

More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) gestures after making a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center
Lakers star Austin Reaves’ camp shuts down rumored beef with Luka DoncicPaolo Mariano ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) loses control of the ball next to Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (8) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center.
Lakers rumors: LA expected to land former Warriors guard in free agencyRichard Pereira ·
Siegel's Scoop with Jonathan Kuminga question marks, LeBron James and Giannis trades?
Siegel’s Scoop: Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga free agency holdup, trade market intelBrett Siegel ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Skip Bayless questions LeBron James’ 2025-26 motivations with LakersRichard Pereira ·
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) has a shot blocked by Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) during the first quarter at Paycom Center.
Jaxson Hayes returns to Lakers on 1-year contractDavid Yapkowitz ·
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka at press conference at UCLA Health Training Center.
The move Los Angeles Lakers still must make in 2025 NBA free agencyRandall Barnes ·