Los Angeles Lakers: Playing buy or sell with 2018 free agents

 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

One of the steadiest performers for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did himself some favors in his one-year, $18 million gamble he took. By accepting a single season contract last offseason, he had to show some improvement to grab a better contract over multiple seasons, and he did just that.

KCP had an impressive season for a 3-and-D wing, averaging 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He provided his usual energetic defensive prowess on the perimeter and while knocking down a career high 38.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. These numbers from his position are what NBA teams covet, and he could be one of the stronger under-the-radar free agents from this class.

Caldwell-Pope fits well with this Lakers team with the ability to play either wing spot, knock down 3s and take the toughest defensive assignment on a team that is much better on that end of the floor then credited for.

If the Lakers miss out on Paul George and can bring KCP back on another one-year “prove it” contract with similar financial incentives, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be on the roster next season. He could very easily be a salary cap casualty if the Lakers are successful pursuing the big fish this summer, however.

Verdict: Re-sign