Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Lessons from loss to Washington Wizards

Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went off

I would love to give a shout out to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. If anything, this guy is a pro. Numerous outlets had this guy out of L.A., myself included…

The only thing that had to be considered is where he was going. Well, my man is still here and showed in this game that he can help this Lakers team.

KCP scored 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, 4-of-6 from the land of three with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Along with Kyle Kuzma, he basically was the only Lakers player that was effective in this game. He hit his first seven shots and finished with 20 points by the half. I rooting for him to score 40.

There is a saying in the NBA. Sometimes the best trades are the ones that are never made. Was KCP a goner? More than likely. Reports say that the only thing stopping the trade for Ariza was the Suns owner, Robert Sarver not wanting to put out the impression that the Lakers were receiving “inside” help from the Suns. After the Tyson Chandler reported “hookup” that worked out so well, Sarver did not want the criticism.

This could be good for KCP! Here’s a scenario…

Former Lakers icon Robert Horry was nearly traded early in his career from Houston to Detroit for Sean Elliott. Elliott failed a physical and the trade was rescinded. After that Horry started looking for his shot and ended his career one of the most clutch shooters in history. Remember the Sacramento playoff game during the Kobe/Shaq three-peat?

It also can be good for the Lakers! Here’s the scenario…

KCP going off in this game ups the trade value! Just because Trevor Ariza is not coming through the door does not mean the front office is not going to make a move. If Kentavious keeps shooting well, the Lakers can actually sneak in a future second rounder! Who knows.

Now to the top story of the week…