Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the 5 best players thus far in 2019-20 season

3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Who would have thought that after his atrocious start to the 2019-20 season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would redeem himself in a huge way.

Caldwell-Pope began the year clunking shots, including a few embarrassing layup attempts. Fans quickly turned on the guard. Staples Center even showered him with loud boos a couple of times. Things got so ugly for the Lakers’ longest-tenured player that his teammates came to his rescue by openly expressing their support for KCP.

Boy, have things changed. Following the injury to Avery Bradley, Caldwell-Pope has done a superb job filling his shoes in the starting lineup. He has been a reliable defender and one of the more consistent shooters on the floor.

After his tough start to the season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is now shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point land, both being the best for him in a Lakers’ jersey.

Now that Avery Bradley is back on the floor and getting his legs back under him, it will be interesting to see if coach Frank Vogel will place Bradley back into the starting lineup or reward KCP with the permanent starting spot.

Caldwell-Pope’s newfound success this season comes just in time for his ongoing confidence and the success of this team.