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

By Gil Alcaraz IV

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)
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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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images /

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.

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