Los Angeles Lakers: Where each expiring veteran should sign this summer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, 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 Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, 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 Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: New Orleans Pelicans

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers two summers ago to a one-year, $18 million contract. Caldwell-Pope was a late signing in the offseason and appeared to be the perfect usage of the Lakers’ remaining funds.

Caldwell-Pope had a lot of potential as a three and D guy as he showed promise with the Detroit Pistons. And while he has not been horrible in his Laker career, he has not been as good as he could have been.

It appeared as if Caldwell-Pope was undoubtedly going to be on his way out of LA last offseason after the team signed LeBron. However, since the team missed out on Paul George and KCP is represented by Klutch Sports, he got another one-year contract, this time for $12 million.

The Lakers essentially signed Caldwell-Pope to a two-year, $30 million contract, which sounds a lot worse when you put it that way.

Caldwell-Pope’s career as a Laker should come to an end and when evaluating his options he should join a former teammate in Julius Randle in New Orleans.

The Pelicans could use a shooting guard to space the floor as well as the defense that Caldwell-Pope provides. It is not a big move by any means and does not make the Pelicans significantly better, but it is a move a small market team usually makes.