Los Angeles Lakers: Underrated contributors to deep 2020 NBA Playoffs run
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
The Lakers will be depending on both Caruso and Smith to play prominent roles in the coming months. However, I don’t believe there’s anyone who has more potential to surprise than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
The newest Lakers starter, KCP will take the spot of Bradley in the starting five. While not as impressive an on-ball defender, there’s no denying that Caldwell-Pope can impact a game when given the opportunity. He’s a tenacious defender and is capable of going off in the scoring department on any given night.
When his shot is working, he helps space the floor out for the stars of the Lake Show. He’s a clever playmaker who does a better job of creating scoring opportunities than he gets credit for. Caldwell-Pope may be taking over for Bradley, but a case could be made that he’s as solid of a starting option.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shot 51/43/80 as a starter with Bradley out. He scored 11.2 points while playing excellent defense. The Lakers are 16-3 with him as a starter.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 24, 2020
Avery Bradley is a loss, but one the Lakers can survive.
It’s clear the Lakers can win when he’s in the starting lineup, but the pressure will still be on Caldwell-Pope to up his game. The playoffs are nearly upon us and he’s going to need to muster the same efficiency that he displayed when he stepped up for Bradley earlier this season.
It’s KCP’s time to shine. Can he answer the call and be the surprise star the Lakers need?
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