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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the first wave of offseason moves

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 09: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 09: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Rob Pelinka has done a fantastic job of making the Los Angeles Lakers even better this offseason.

Rob Pelinka has been active in improving the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. After waiting a week for Kawhi Leonard to make his decision last summer, Pelinka wasted no time in making moves this offseason.

Thus far, the Lakers have made five significant moves that have improved the team for next season. Whether it be re-signing guys that could have left or bringing new talent in, Pelinka has seemingly pulled all the right strings.

There will be more moves but these first five moves do constitute being the first “wave”, for lack of a better term. Thus, we wanted to rank this first wave. While there will be a number five, none of these moves are bad in the slightest.

5. Re-signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

For a while there it was unclear if KCP was going to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. He opted out of his player option in pursuit of a bigger contract and it was unclear whether or not the Lakers would meet his salary demands.

They ultimately did as the two sides agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract. KCP is the longest-tenured Laker on the roster and if he plays out this entire contract then he will have spent a good portion of time with the team.

The Lakers did slightly overpay for KCP, that is without a doubt, but the team had to keep him in LA because of his familiarity with the team as well as how well he played in the NBA Playoffs.

If he plays out his contract he will have spent six seasons on the Lakers. If he averages 75 games a season (the 2020-21 season is a 72-game season) then he will rank 17th in franchise history in total games played, ahead of names such as Lamar Odom, Shaquille O’Neal and Rick Fox.

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