5. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finding his footing
In the early part of the season, when the team was really struggling, fans wanted to see changes. Some of those changes included removing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope not only from the starting lineup but the roster altogether.
Caldwell-Pope began the season about as poorly as possible. He couldn’t knock down any jump shots and was removed from the starting lineup after three games. After getting acclimated to his new role off the bench, things have finally begun clicking.
Caldwell-Pope has scored in double-figures in six consecutive games, including a season-high 19 against the Miami Heat. He has found his stroke from deep, making at least three 3-pointers in four out of the last five games. He has multiple makes in five of the last six and is shooting 41 percent from deep in November.
Not only has his 3-point shot gotten on track, but Caldwell-Pope is also finding success at the foul line as well. 18 of his 34 free throw attempts have come in the past four games and he has made them all. He made four in the waning seconds against the Cleveland Cavaliers to help ice the game. On the season, Caldwell-Pope is shooting 94.1 percent, which is fourth in the NBA.
This is the Caldwell-Pope the Lakers were hoping to have this season. His skill set is a perfect fit for what they want to do on both sides of the court.