Lakers bringing back guard Schroder

The Lakers are reuniting with another former member of the team, this time signing point guard Dennis Schroder on Friday. Schroder’s contract is for one year at the veteran’s minimum, a person with knowledge of the deal unauthorized to speak publicly told The Times.

Schroder, 28, turned down a lucrative contract extension with the Lakers during the 2020-21 season before leaving the organization the following summer in free agency.

“This past year didn’t feel right,” Schroder wrote in an Instagram post. “I felt misunderstood & nobody really knew the story! I’m coming back to the biggest organization to make (expletive) right!”

Despite a crowded backcourt that includes Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV, Schroder provides the Lakers with a natural playmaker whom, other than Westbrook, the group doesn’t really have.

And while Westbrook deals are still being discussed, people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly told The Times the Schroder signing isn’t necessarily a precursor to another move.

Sources familiar with the decision said Schroder’s attitude this summer playing for the German national team in the European championships, where he’s averaged more than 21 points and seven assists, made the Lakers comfortable with bringing him back.

Schroder also has played under coach Darvin Ham, who was an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks when Schroder was a rookie.

— Dan Woike

PayPal said that the company will no longer sponsor the Phoenix Suns if owner Robert Sarver remains part of the franchise when his suspension ends. National Basketball Players Assn. executive director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN that NBA players want Sarver banned for life.