Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope deal

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 17: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #5 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 17, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images /

The Los Angeles Lakers spent the remainder of their 2017-18 cap space to make a free agency splash in the form of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

After what seems like a month, the Los Angeles Lakers have finally made their first move of 2017 NBA free agency. And in this case, all of the waiting paid off in a big way for one of the league’s most storied franchises.

According to ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have agreed to a one-year, $18 million deal. It’s a smart move for Magic Johnson, who gets a rising star that can help this team stay competitive in 2017-18. More importantly, though, it doesn’t affect next offseason’s spending power.

Right now, the Lakers’ alleged plan is to go all-in during 2018 NBA free agency. With players such as LeBron James, Paul George and Russell Westbrook potentially hitting the open market, this could be a golden opportunity for Los Angeles to turn things around overnight. That’s why they were hesitant to sign anyone for more than a year this offseason.

Their patience paid off. Caldwell-Pope is an instant upgrade, and makes this team more appealing for 2018 free agents. If for some reason the Lakers whiff next offseason, they at least have a strong shot at re-signing KCP to a long-term deal.

For now, though, let’s focus on what this means for the immediate future. Here are three initial takeaways from the Lakers’ agreement with Caldwell-Pope and what it means for this franchise heading into 2017-18.

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