What did we learn about the Lakers in the preseason?

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can be a difference-maker

With star players resting and teams taking an extra-cautious approach with injuries, there typically isn’t much to read into preseason starting lineups.

But the fact that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope started in three of the Los Angeles Lakers’ six exhibition games stands out.

That KCP played with confidence and showed he can fill it up as a scorer stood out even more.

The former Detroit Pistons lottery pick is heading into his third year with the Lakers. He may not crack double-figure scoring averages this season like he did in his first two in L.A., but Caldwell-Pope can play a role similar to what J.R. Smith played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during LeBron’s time there. KCP even shares J.R.’s penchant for occasionally head-scratching shot selection.

Caldwell-Pope was the Lakers’ second-leading scorer in terms of total points, tallying 68 in six appearances. He averaged 11.3 points per game, shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from 3-point range.

In the Lakers’ preseason finale, Caldwell-Pope dropped 25 points on 8-of-16 field goal shooting, hitting 3-of-6 beyond the arc.

Any team hoping to contend for a title needs shooters, floor-spacers, and depth. Caldwell-Pope proved in the preseason that he can provide all of that for the Lakers.