2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 2 years, $16 million (Los Angeles Lakers)
The Lakers are expected to bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a two year, $16 million deal, per league sources.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2019
Los Angeles Lakers fans are obviously disappointed with Kawhi Leonard’s decision, and going from the Klaw to Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a letdown comparatively, but this team desperately needs capable bodies. Like it or not, the okay but not exactly thrilling return of KCP fits the criteria.
His role and performance have fluctuated throughout his time in L.A., as what was originally supposed to be a one-year flier has now turned into a three- and potentially four-year tryout. Caldwell-Pope certainly isn’t complaining about the year-to-year overpays the Lakers keep giving him, and now he’ll get his chance to prove himself either coming off the bench or starting for a real contender.
Last year, KCP posted 11.4 points in 24.8 minutes per game, receiving a significant decrease in minutes and watching his 3-point percentage drop from 38.3 percent the year prior to 34.7 percent in 2018-19. The Lakers will need him to head for more efficient territory this year, especially since a lack of floor-spacing doomed this team last year.
Grade: B