Magic Johnson: Schroder lacks 'winning mentality and attitude'

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson doesn't believe Dennis Schroder fits well with the Purple and Gold.

"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," Johnson said Friday during a radio appearance on AM570 LA Sports. "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.

"But again, if he comes back a Laker, I'm gonna support him, I'm gonna cheer for him and all that, but I just don't think he's a Laker."

Schroder struggled mightily in Games 4 and 5 of Los Angeles' first-round loss to the Phoenix Suns, posting a combined eight points on 3-of-22 shooting and four assists in those contests. The German point guard is set to become a free agent this offseason but has stated he'd love to return to the Lakers.

"They've got the top two players in the league. I want to be here and win a championship," Schroder said, according to Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. "That's not even a question. It's not about money. If everything is good, we're going to come back and win a championship next year."

Schroder, who reportedly rejected a four-year, $84-million contract extension from the Lakers earlier in the campaign, averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 61 regular-season appearances.