Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players facing make-or-break 2017-18 seasons

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG

This is it — Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s opportunity to prove he can be the go-to guy. More importantly for him (probably), it’s his chance to earn a max deal next offseason during free agency, whether it’s with the Lakers or another team.

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That’s largely why KCP signed with Los Angeles in the first place. The options weren’t there after he hit the market late. With most other teams having already spent their cap space, he saw the Lakers as an opportunity to cash in and land himself in a situation where he could be a star.

By being a star in Hollywood, he could convince other potential suitors that he’s worth the price of admission. That is assuming, he can play the part. While the Lakers don’t necessarily have the worst lineup in the NBA, they lack that certain star power. Can Caldwell-Pope fill that role in 2017-18 and earn him a gargantuan payday next offseason?

We’ll have to wait and see. If he can’t though, we could see him being forced to settle for a discount deal in 2018. That’s where the “make-or-break” aspect comes into play. Perform up to expectations, and rake in the money next year. Fail to earn your keep, and watch your stock plummet before the biggest offseason of your life.

The door is open for Caldwell-Pope to rise to stardom with the Lakers. Unfortunately for him, there’s plenty of room for it slam in his face as well.