Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the top five role players on the team
By Ethan Temkin
4.) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
The next player in this ranking is the one who stepped up big time in Avery Bradley’s place; Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Pope is by far the most polarizing player on the team, as fans and media members alike bring up everything from his inconsistencies on offense, to his contract with the team.
Yes, Caldwell-Pope still fumbles the occasional layup and is good for at least one errant pass thrown per game, but after a shaky start to the season, and every single Laker fan calling for his head, he has persevered. He has proven to be an important cog in this Lakers machine, providing solid shot-making and defense.
Since being inserted into the starting lineup in place of the injured Bradley, Caldwell-Pope has been averaging 11.2 points and has been shooting a respectable 42.9% from three. His ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it be off the catch, a curl, or in transition, has been incredibly helpful for the team’s playmakers.
With Bradley back in the fold and working his way back from his foot injury, it will be interesting to see what Vogel does with the starting lineup, as the team has been successful with both Pope and Bradley in it. But given the circumstances, and the body of work so far, it’s fair to say that Pope has earned his spot in this ranking.