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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players ranked in ESPN’s top-100

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 15: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the Markelle Fultz workout at Toyota Sports Center on June 15, 2017 in El Segundo, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 15: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the Markelle Fultz workout at Toyota Sports Center on June 15, 2017 in El Segundo, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope looking forward to playing with Lonzo Ball
EL SEGUNDO, CA- JULY 18: President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson and General Manager, Rob Pelinka introduce Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a press conference in El Segundo, California at the Toyota Sports Center on July, 18, 2017. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Coming in at No. 74 on ESPN’s list is the first Laker, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Caldwell-Pope is the newest shooting guard in town for the Lakers and should take over the spot in their starting lineup.

Caldwell-Pope is a good fit for the Lakers, as his strengths are two areas they need to improve upon; three-point shooting and defense. Caldwell-Pope wasn’t overly efficient with the Detroit Pistons but did improve each season in the NBA. The Lakers are hoping that he continues that trend of improving.

Caldwell-Pope is actually moving up ESPN’s rankings this season. Last season, Caldwell-Pope was ranked No. 83, so he moved up nine spots. Here is what was said by ESPN Stats & Info about Caldwell-Pope.

"Caldwell-Pope will likely be the new starting shooting guard for the Lakers, who finished last in defensive efficiency in 2016-17. Last season in Detroit, the Pistons’ defense allowed nearly seven more points per 100 possessions when Pope was on the floor than when he was off."

Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He will serve a two-game suspension to begin the season but should be inserted right into the starting lineup right after that.

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