Los Angeles Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope plays a huge role against Rockets

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to get one their best wins of the season on the road against the Houston Rockets. In the win, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a great game.

Under the bright lights of Saturday Primetime, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to get a great win against the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers came in without Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo, but found a way to beat one of the best teams on their homecourt. The win against the Rockets without one of their stars was a good indication of where this Laker team can go this season.

Without Davis, LeBron James obviously had to carry a big load. James answered the call, as he totaled 31 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. It was the type of game that the Lakers needed from LeBron, and he delivered.

In addition to James, the Lakers obviously needed others to step up without Davis. In the win, they had multiple players do just that. One of the key performances was that of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Off the bench, KCP totaled 20 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. It was a great overall game by KCP, and Frank Vogel trusted him by giving him 34 minutes of playing time.

The turnaround this season for KCP has really been remarkable. To start the season, KCP looked as if he wouldn’t make it through the season with the team. Now, he is one of their most valuable players, as he is playing well on both ends of the court.

After the dreadful start to the season, KCP has gained the trust of Vogel and is a big part of the rotation. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench, KCP finally looks like the strong 3-and-D player that the Lakers were hoping for when they signed him a few years ago.

Even though many might have wanted him moved, KCP has quickly become a fan-favorite this season. Hopefully, he can continue his strong play as the season rolls on.