Los Angeles Lakers: X-factors for success in NBA's Orlando restart

Los Angeles Lakers: X-factors for success in NBA’s Orlando restart

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Dwight Howard #39 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate while playing the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Lakers’ backcourt took a significant hit when Avery Bradley decided to sit out the remainder of the season due to COVID-19 concerns.

While L.A. responded by signing LeBron’s old buddy J.R. Smith, the man who is more ready and able to step into the void left by Bradley is shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Related Story. Lakers: Time for Anthony Davis' talents to shine. light

Few can match Bradley as a perimeter defender, so KCP won’t be expected to replicate what Bradley brings on that end of the floor. He just has to be adequate defensively. Where KCP can really shine is on the offensive end, in particular as a shooter outside the 3-point arc.

With LeBron’s playmaking ability and Davis’ tendency to draw defenders in the paint, it’s crucial that the Lakers have long-range shooters to make defenses pay for collapsing on LeBron and AD.

Caldwell-Pope ranks fourth on the team in scoring at 9.5 points per game. If he can average double-digits during this final stretch of the season while maintaining or improving his shooting percentages, the Lakers become that much better. Among the players who shoot enough 3-pointers to qualify, KCP leads L.A. in 3-point percentage, hitting 39.4 percent of his tries.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers