Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons in overtime loss to Wizards

Let’s welcome Kentavious Caldwell-Pope back to being a contributing member of the Los Angeles Lakers!

The staff has to give a major shoutout to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. It’s easy to give lip service like this after a loss via ESPN.

"“I feel like the last couple games that’s been happening, putting a lot on Bron,” Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said after the game. “We already know what we’re going to get out of him. So all the rest of us, we’ve got to continue to just play hard and just play basketball and not worry about anything else.”"

This was a statement from a player that couldn’t throw a 3 pointer in the Pacific Ocean while standing in Davey’s locker. Forget the fact his shots from distance were off, KCP was having issues scoring in general. His performance showed why he is well respected in the locker room.

KCP had NBA Finals flashbacks scoring 21 points (8-15 shooting!) on the strength of four huge 3 point shots in 8 tries. But it was the activity on both ends of the floor that stood out the most.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1364070251944697856

This is how you back up a comment to the media after a loss. He played 40 minutes and really played solid defense on Bradley Beal for much of regulation before he got loose in overtime. Plus his movements playing off the ball were very important as well.

• Watch here how KCP sets the pick on Rui Hachimura at the elbow and continues to move.
• Instead of floating to the 3 point line, he reads the play perfectly using the Marc Gasol pick perfectly to lose Bradley Beal.
• He flashes to the front of the rim to receive the LeBron James pass and finish with the left-hand layup. 

This is exactly what the rest of the supporting cast has to do. Play basketball with confidence, make the right reads and be ready to score when LeBron makes the pass. For the first time in weeks, KCP looked like the guy that was on fire to start the season.

His last fadeaway 3 point shot in overtime was with two Wizards players draped all over him. Other members of this roster had better follow his example because there are still some that tighten up when it’s time to shoot.

The player Lake Show Life is going to discuss next was the best player on the floor that donned the purple and gold. He can’t show his frustrations because of his professionalism. Lake Show Life will vent the frustration for him! Read on.