Takeaway No. 3: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stepping up
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been inconsistent for the Lakers this season. He had some off-court distractions, as he began the season on a two-game suspension and had to serve a 25-day jail sentence.
Those issues put a strain on Caldwell-Pope, as the issues weighed on him. After the jail sentence was over, Caldwell-Pope then suffered an Achilles injury that took him out of rhythm. Since he has gotten healthy, he has looked like a different player.
On the road trip, Caldwell-Pope played very well. He got things off to a hot start with a 34-point performance against the Kings, knocking down a career-high tying eight 3-pointers. He recorded a double-double in two of the next three games. Against the Heat, Caldwell-Pope scored 18 points to help get the victory.
Over the road trip, Caldwell-Pope knocked down 15-of-27 from deep. He pulled down 38 rebounds as well, helping replace the rebounding production that Hart was providing from the backcourt.
Caldwell-Pope is playing the best basketball of his Lakers career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With the injuries suffered, Caldwell-Pope is picking up his production, helping replace what has been lost. He is someone that needs to perform well to finish out the season, as he will be looking to cash in during the summer in free agency.