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Los Angeles Lakers: Most surprising things through seven games

By Jason Reed

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on November 01, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on November 01, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. How much leeway is given to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

I would say that it is not shocking that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been bad to start the 2019 season as nobody ever really expected him to be great. While there were mildly high expectations when he initially signed with the Lakers, those quickly faded as we learned who KCP was going to be for the Lakers.

However, it is kind of surprising that he has been this bad this season. On a team that looks so good to start the year, Caldwell-Pope legitimately looks out of place and is the obvious weakest link.

His role on this team is supposed to be a three and D role player; he is shooting .294 from beyond the arc and on a tea that has been thriving defensively (which actually shouldn’t be a surprise), he has the second-worst defensive rating at 103, which still is not terrible.

The most surprising thing about all this is the faith that Frank Vogel and company continue to have in him and the leeway he has been given thus far. Despite everything I just mentioned, Caldwell-Pope ranks fifth on the team in minutes played.

I get it. You cannot simply give up on a player through seven games and that would be equally as surprising if they did that. However, it may be time to give fewer minutes to KCP and more minutes to someone else.

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