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How the Lakers can reunite with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this summer

By Cameron Salce

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Washington Wizards looks on during a NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Washington Wizards looks on during a NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Earlier this week a report from The Athletic’s John Hollinger stated that the Los Angeles Lakers could be interested in bringing back former Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope if he becomes a free agent. The article mentioned,

"“To some extent, they have to hope the lure of a big role on a prominent team will offset the lack of cash, and/or that there might be some free agent(s) who face an unexpectedly chilly market and turn to L.A. on a one-year deal with a player option. One potential answer I could think of is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who might not have his partially guaranteed deal picked up by Washington and could benefit from a reunion with his 2020 championship teammates. Of course, he might not ever become a free agent.”"

If the Lakers do somehow sign KCP this offseason it would not be like back in 2017 when general manager Rob Pelinka announced they had found their “manna from heaven.” Now they are just looking for a guard that has a prayer on defense and can knock down an open 3-pointer.

In his previous stint with the team, he proved his strength was perimeter defense and could provide a little bit of outside shooting when called upon. Last season he averaged the third-most points per game in his career in a more increased offensive role in Washington, and he could help the Lakers score on a team that was stale on offense for most of last season.

Without Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso last season, the Los Angeles Lakers looked lost on defense.

It would make sense to bring in a defensive-minded guard if the possibility does arise.

However, the only way the Lakers can even have a chance to sign KCP this summer is if Washington cuts him. He is currently scheduled to make just over $14 million next season, but he is on a non-guaranteed deal that only nets him $4.9 million if he is let go.

The Wizards could potentially open up an extra $9 million in cap space if they made that move and that could be enticing for a team probably looking to rebuild after missing the playoffs last season. So, it might not be that farfetched of an idea that KCP could be on the open market this summer.

Unfortunately, there is another hurdle that the Lakers will have to overcome to sign him, and this one might not be as easy to get over.

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