Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s stint with the Los Angeles Lakers could be coming to an end.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has had a really interesting tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. First brought on prior to the 2017-18 season, KCP’s value and standing with the fans has ballooned up and down during his tenure.
The Lakers did overpay for KCP on his first contract but it was short-term. It was unclear whether or not the team would re-sign him prior to the 2019-20 season but they did, giving him a player option for the 2020-21 season as well.
For many, KCP was viewed as a Klutch client that was benefitting from who he knew. Sure, on paper he was a fit on the Lakers due to his three and D skillset but it was no secret that he was benefitting from Rich Paul’s (and LeBron James) influence on the Lakers.
Despite that, and despite volatile regular-season play, KCP won over Laker fans with his production in the NBA Playoffs. He was not great every game but he always played solid defense and had a few big games and moments during the team’s championship run that absolutely helped the final outcome.
That performance raised his value and that has led KCP to reportedly will opt out of his contract in search of a new one. He was already supposed to make $8.5 million, meaning that he may have priced himself out of LA by wanting more.
There will be several teams interesting in KCP’s services due to his play style as well as his newfound NBA Finals experience. Here are the best fits for the veteran guard in free agency if he does leave LA.