Los Angeles Lakers: Grading each starter after 1 month of play
By Jason Elbaum
Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
One of the Lakers’ most exciting offseason signings in recent years, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has filled the role that most fans expected him to fill when Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka decided to bring him in.
After missing the first two games of the season with a suspension, the 24-year-old has provided energy on both ends of the floor. His value really shows on the defensive end, as he has been able to take some pressure off of Lonzo Ball by guarding the opponent’s more dangerous backcourt threat.
Caldwell-Pope is averaging 11.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game to go along with a career-high 1.5 steals per game. These are respectable numbers for a player that is getting accustomed to a new system, but he will need to contribute more in the scoring department if the Lakers want a real chance at the playoffs.
The former eighth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft still has a high ceiling for development, and the Lakers’ fast-paced style of play should allow him to succeed. Caldwell-Pope is on a one-year contract, so the rest of the season acts as an audition for a spot on next year’s Lakers roster.
Grade: B-