Los Angeles Lakers: Power ranking team’s top 5 players right now

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG

Right now, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has nearly 18 million reasons to be near the top of this list. If it wasn’t for a certain uber-hyped rookie, the Lakers’ $18 million man would easily be No. 1. However, the No. 2 spot still comes with significant expectations.

Los Angeles Lakers

Especially with that price tag, Los Angeles faithful will be looking for a huge season from Caldwell-Pope. Even if the deal is only for one year, you don’t command that type of paycheck in the NBA without being judged early and often. So you can imagine that criticism will come quickly if he struggles in 2017-18.

For now, though, let’s work under the assumption that that isn’t an option. The Lakers brought Caldwell-Pope in to be a star, and that’s what they’re going to get. He’s the defensive stalwart that they desperately needed, and he should serve as a reliable outside shooter for Ball to kick it out to.

We also have to keep in mind that Caldwell-Pope is playing for another payday in 2018. He got paid by the Lakers, but that money runs out when the season is over. It’ll be imperative for him to shine bright, convincing other teams that he’s worth signing to a long-term deal next offseason.

If he plays well, it could even open the door for him to return to Los Angeles under the right circumstances.

Either way, look for Caldwell-Pope to play a prominent role in determining the Lakers’ fate this season. His effectiveness as a shooter and defender will determine if this team quiets critics or turns the slew of underwhelming predictions into reality.