Lakers News: What to expect out of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing

The latest Lakers news is very promising as the team agreed to terms with young shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a one-year deal.

The latest Lakers news broke Tuesday with the team coming to an agreement with free agent shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This deal was reportedly for one year, with the Lakers owing Caldwell-Pope $18 million next season. Caldwell-Pope is now the tenth highest paid shooting guard in the league, making almost the same as Jimmy Butler.

With the Lakers in budget mode, I can see why fans of the team would be upset with this move. With possible intents on making a strong push for superstars next season, the Lakers need to budget their cap and do so smartly. Signing a young shooting guard to an $18 million contract seemingly contradicts this plan.

However, the fact that this deal is for only one season makes it worthwhile for the Lakers. Los Angeles has no reason to rebuild, as they have no draft pick, and there is no real superstar target that is acquirable now.

Caldwell-Pope fits the mold of what the Lakers need perfectly. After trading D’Angelo Russell, and seeing Nick Young walk to the Warriors, the Lakers were very thin at guard. Lonzo Ball and Jordan Clarkson are the only two viable options. Josh Hart could be a sleeper with David Nwaba likely not doing much.

Caldwell-Pope fills that vacancy at shooting guard. Sure, Clarkson could have started there, but we all saw that point guard suited him better. Running Ball and Clarkson at the one makes for a deadly tandem. Having the floor general start and the scorer off the bench causes a dynamic duo.

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Although he is overpaid Caldwell-Pope was the perfect option for the Lakers. Their stategy this year is evident; turn Ball into a star. The Lakers are going to need Ball to look fantastic to draw in other stars, especially after Paul George’s latest comments.

Caldwell-Pope serves as another weapon in Ball’s arsenal, likely being his first passing option as he pushes the ball up the court. Because of this, we will likely see Caldwell-Pope’s production increase significantly.

With pretty solid numbers already, I think we can see Caldwell-Pope have a fantastic season. Last season the young guard averaged 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

With Ball’s court general, ball distributing system we may see Caldwell-Pope’s assists increase ever so slightly. Pinning that number at three assists, also hovering around three rebounds, seems reasonable.

However, it will be the scoring that sees the biggest jump next season. With his 35% from beyond the arc he will be a reliable option for Ball, and let’s face it, Ball has shown us he can get guys open. Therefore, I would not be surprised to see Caldwell-Pope’s points per game just to around 18 a game.

Next: Brandon Ingram will become a star next season

Overall, the latest Lakers news is promising for the new direction of the franchise. While the signing itself may not include a star, it will help form one.

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