Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed the first two games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season and that certainly weighed on him.
One of the big moves for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was the signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. As a restricted free agent of the Detroit Pistons, it was very shocking to see him become an unrestricted free agent after the team traded for Avery Bradley.
Since it was late in free agency, Caldwell-Pope had his options limited. However, the Lakers were able to give him an appealing one-year deal that he ended up accepting. This deal was good for both sides, as Caldwell-Pope will be making about $17 million this season, and the Lakers will also keep their cap flexibility for next offseason.
Unfortunately for Caldwell-Pope, he was forced to watch the first two games of the season because of a suspension. As there starting shoot guard, missing Caldwell-Pope certainly affected the Lakers. However, they were able to split the first two games without him.
"“It was kind of hard for me,” Caldwell-Pope said to Tania Ganguli of the LA Times. “I wanted to be out there helping my teammates just playing along with them. They pulled out one for me. It just felt good to just be out there.”"
Caldwell-Pope was back in the lineup for the Lakers against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, this was a game that they ultimately lost. In the game, Caldwell-Pope had quite the audition. He was able to total 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field and 2-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc.
In addition to his scoring, Caldwell-Pope played well defensively as always. The signing of Caldwell-Pope certainly looks like it is going to be a good one for the Lakers. His ability to guard some of the elite guards in the NBA will help the Lakers on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, Caldwell-Pope will be able to help spread the floor with his ability to knock down perimeter shots. Considering that Lonzo Ball is at his best with shooters around him, Caldwell-Pope is certainly a good fit next to him.
Next: 3 Standouts in loss to Pelicans
Even though he missed the first two games, Caldwell-Pope appears to be ready for a great season with the Lakers. He showed no rust against the Pelicans, and he will certainly be a player to watch throughout the season.