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

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.

Related Story: Grading the Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 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.

3. Lakers defense improves tenfold

Last season, the Lakers finished with the No. 30 defense in the NBA. Only the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns gave up more points per game than Los Angeles, a team that desperately needed a boost on that end of the court this offseason.

Well here it is, and boy what an upgrade it is.

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Put simply, Caldwell-Pope is one of the best defensive wings in the league right now. He does a tremendous job of locking up opposing scorers, picking up timely steals and just being an all-around nuisance. If there’s any team in the NBA that could have used his skills in 2017-18, it’s the Lakers.

At 24 years old, he figures to only get better as the years go by. While he’s not an intimidating offensive threat, he fits the mold of today’s 3-and-D wing. He can hit the occasional shot from downtown, and tends to excel from midrange. Assuming he continues to expand on his offensive game, he should inject some star power into this Lakers lineup.

Many people were talking about the Lakers’ unimproved defense prior to this deal. Now, we can safely say that things will be slightly more difficult for opponents in 2017-18. Caldwell-Pope isn’t a solve-all for this Los Angeles defense, but his presence will absolutely make this team better.

The Lakers definitely could have done worse with that $18 million.

2. Jordan Clarkson gets short end of stick

Prior to the acquisition of Caldwell-Pope, Jordan Clarkson seemed destined for a boost in minutes at the 2-spot. Unfortunately, those chances flew out the window with the $18 million the Lakers ponied up to get KCP.

Now that’s not to say Clarkson will become irrelevant. While it boots him out of a starting gig, it puts him in prime position to return to the sixth man role that he thrived in last season. He’s essentially the Lakers’ best option off the bench at either guard position, and should still see plenty of minutes this upcoming season.

Again, this just seems like more of a bummer for Clarkson than anything. It hurts his stock and his status as one of the Lakers’ top talents. I’m sure paying him $12.5 million to be a playmaker off the bench isn’t exactly comforting for the Lakers either.

Then again, maybe this is all part of the Lakers’ plan to trade Clarkson. He’s making a lot of money, and will continue to do so for the next three seasons. However, unlike Luol Deng, he’s a much more desirable trade chip. If the Lakers can’t find a way to trade Deng, maybe they feel comfortable moving Clarkson to make room for next offseason’s potential spending spree.

No matter what way you spin it, Clarkson gets the short end of the stick here.

1. Door is still open for Rajon Rondo signing

Okay, so the Lakers made their first free agency move and spent all of their cap space to do so. Is that it? Are Magic and co. done swinging deals this offseason? According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

There’s been talk of a possible Rajon Rondo signing for some time. The New York Knicks, however, were also in the mix. Then they spent a fortune on Tim Hardaway Jr. and re-signed Ron Baker, drying up most of the cap space they had left. With the Knicks out of the picture, it appears time for the Lakers to swoop in and make something happen.

Rondo would fill the Lakers’ need for a veteran point guard who can provide depth and serve as a mentor to Lonzo Ball. The question, though, is whether or not he’s willing to accept the Lakers’ room exception, as Wojnarowski hinted at.

Last season, Rondo made $14 million as a prominent member of the Chicago Bulls’ backcourt. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite live up to expectations in the Windy City, forcing the team to waive him this offseason. With his waning talents and effectiveness, it may be time for him to accept a reduced role (and paycheck).

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

I wouldn’t be surprised if something came to fruition with Rondo in the next day or so. The Lakers know their options are running out, and signing the veteran point guard would give them what they need. After a slow start to free agency, the Lakers are making their long-awaited moves.