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What the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff starting five should be

By Jonathan Kiernan

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers great injured teammate Anthony Davis prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers great injured teammate Anthony Davis prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The two longest-tenured Lakers at the guard position. A recipe for success.

Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remember the bad times the Lakers went through. The rebuild, the rise of the young core, the arrival of LeBron, and the return to glory.

They have seen it all. Through times of hardship and struggle, you build strong bonds. Those around you during the hard times make them hard times a little easier.

KCP and AC have built them bonds over time and the way they play together really does show that.

Caldwell-Pope is the prototype of what the NBA analysts have said that LeBron James needs around him to be successful. A 3&D wing who can defend and shoot the 3-pointer at a decent clip.

That is absolutely what Kentavious Caldwell-Pope brings to the table, but to say that KCP is strictly a 3&D player would do him a disservice.

Last season, during the Laker’s triumphant championship run, the Lakers had two stars that led the way in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the defacto 3rd star during that playoff run was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

KCP showed up big time when they needed him and he was one of the deciding factors for the purple and gold. The extension that he received from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason showed exactly how highly they think of him and how they believe he is part of the long-term vision for the purple and gold.

KCP and Caruso bring familiarity to the Laker’s guard positions. Both can defend multiple positions due to their length, both can be playmakers if LeBron James is getting doubled, they also both know how to win and have been to the pinnacle.

Knowing how to win the biggest games is something you cannot teach and the valuable experience they gained last season could be important when they have to dig deep for an important win.

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