A former Los Angeles Lakers point guard is gunning to play for two more years in the NBA to reach the projected salary spike in 2028.
According to Dennis Schroder, who was once a starting point guard for the Lakers and a slew of other teams, he is targeting playing in the NBA for the next two to four years. He is hoping to reach 2028, when the NBA’s salary cap is expected to rise.
Dennis Schroder’s Goal Before Ending His NBA Career
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 15, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“I’ve heard that in 2028, NBA salaries are going to increase even more,” Schroder said when asked in OMR podcast about a possible return to European professional leagues while he is with the German national team. “Obviously, it’s not just about money, but if they put 10, 15, or 20 million a year on the table, then I might think about it a little longer.”
“After this season, my goal will be to extend again. Every year, about 30 new players enter the league and 30 others have to leave. If you arrive at that point without a contract, no matter your level, it can happen that you don’t get one anymore. But yes, I still want to play about two to four years.”
The NBA salary cap is projected to hit a 10% spike ahead of the 2028-2029 season, according to multiple reports and projections. This would push the league’s spending limit to an estimated $182.7 million.
The growth is driven by the sustained influx of revenue from the league’s historic 11-year, $76 billion national media rights deals with Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video.
Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), annual cap increases are smoothed and capped at a maximum of 10% per year to prevent the chaotic free-agent market distortions seen during the 2016 cap spike.
To put it in perspective, a veteran who has more than a decade of experience could earn as much as $65 million per year, which would account for 35% of the salary cap by 2028.
That increase will also trickle down to role players such as Schroder, who would be playing his 15th season in the NBA in 2028.
Dennis Schroder Closes In On History After His Recent Trade
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Barclays Center on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Dennis Schroder was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Charlotte Hornets this offseason. The trade pushed him closer to history.
Schroder is set to play for 12 different NBA franchises, tying him for the second-most teams played for in NBA history, trailing only Ish Smith at 13.
Schroder has played with the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and the Cavaliers. Hornets are now the 12th team.
He is tied with Chucky Brown, Jim Jackson, Tony Massenburg, Joe Smith, and Garrett Temple with 12 teams.
Schroder is in the middle of a three-year, $44.4 million contract signed in July 2025.
Schroder is expected to play a backup role for the Hornets next season, playing behind Coby White as the franchise ushers in a new era without its former franchise star LaMelo Ball.
Ex-Lakers Guard Wants To Play For 2 More Years To Cash In On Salary Spike