Lakers' Dennis Schroder out vs. Raptors due to COVID protocols

Lakers guard Dennis Schroder has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and will miss L.A.'s game against the Raptors on Sunday, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. It’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined.

Los Angeles just welcomed back the return of LeBron James (ankle) after 20 games, rolling with a starting lineup of Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, James, Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond on Friday for the first time this season.

Building chemistry is imperative for championship contenders, and the loss of Schroder will hurt the team’s consistency just weeks before the playoffs. In 59 starts this season, Schroder has averaged 15.5 points, 5.8 assists and 32.2 minutes per game, shooting 44% from the field and 34% from deep.

The Lakers own the sixth-best record in the West at 36-27 and have lost seven of its last 10 contests. They lead the No. 7 seed Blazers by just one game.