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.