Lakers: The expiring deals that have the best chance of getting re-signed

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Three months ago, I would have labeled Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the least likely option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. Jordan Clarkson was significantly better than Caldwell-Pope and the Lakers were obviously using him as a one-year rental. C’mon now, $18 million for one-year is not a fair representation of Caldwell-Pope’s value.

However, now Clarkson is out-of-town and his replacement, Isaiah Thomas, is unlikely to return to the team. Josh Hart has stepped up as a good role player, but he may be best-suited as Lonzo Ball’s back-up. At the end of the day, the Lakers are going to need help at the shooting guard position.

That is why Paul George makes the most sense for LA. He can come in and play the two for the Lakers, filling the biggest need on the team. Los Angeles gets the superstar and George gets a solid young team to compete with.

However, there is a very real chance that George does not utilize his player option and gives it one more go on the Thunder. The lack of results should be good for Laker fans, however, it may just be motivating George to prove the rest of the league wrong.

Without George, bringing back Caldwell-Pope is a must. The Lakers would have a lot of cap space and nothing to do with it, allowing Caldwell-Pope to sign another massive one-year deal.

Even with George, the Lakers could sign Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $18 million deal (which is where he should be valued) to serve as a defensive presence in the second unit.

At the end of the day, it all depends on if Caldwell-Pope is willing to take less money and if any other team is willing to overpay for him.

Chance of re-signing: 40%