Three-point shooting
Last year, Nick Young led the Lakers in three-pointers attempted, made, and three-point percentage. He was the Lakers’ primary spot-up shooter and his loss has been a major blow for Walton’s offense, predicated on spreading the floor.
The one who followed him in the first two categories, D’Angelo Russell, is also gone.
Entering into free agency, three-point shooting was a major need to address for Los Angeles.
There was no need of an occasional or a streaky shooter, but someone who works outside the three-point line and lights up whenever gets the ball on a good look.
After shooting a career-high 35 percent, Caldwell-Pope has certainly proved to be that kind of player. While his percentage does not represent an elite accuracy, it is still a very solid number if we take into account that he attempted almost six threes per game.
Considering that almost half of his shots came from three, he comes with the right mindset for the kind of offense he will have to play into. He will also be willing to work to further improve his shooting, seeing the miraculous resurrection Walton operated on Young and remembering that he is in a contract year.
The most encouraging data is that he shot 47 percent from the corner, a spot where he is going to see a rise in attempted shots this year, especially if he will find himself spending some time at the three in small lineups.
Despite probably being on the receiving end of Lonzo Ball‘s passes most of the time, KCP also adds an ability to create shots for himself off the dribble, whether it is from three or from mid-range, which combines with a certain athleticism that allows him to be also very good in attacking the rim and gives him the necessary step to beat his man when guarded too close.
Offensively, the premises are great for the Lakers, but Kentavious is the one who could benefit the most.