The Los Angeles Lakers could lose key player, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason.
Throughout the 2019-2020 NBA season, the Lakers struggled to find a viable third option.
It seemed that each player had his moments throughout the season at that spot.
For a little while it was Danny Green, then Caruso Mania, Avery Bradley followed by Dwight Howard, playoff Rondo, Markieff Morris, and finally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis did not know who they could rely upon the most as no one was consistent enough at that third scoring position.
But, the Lakers proved they could win a championship without a viable third scoring option.
Perhaps that will change this year as the bubble made things weird.
The Clippers were not the same team.
The Bucks and Celtics both failed in reaching the NBA Finals.
Also, the Golden State Warriors will be at full strength this year.
This offseason will be key for the Lakers as they look to repeat as champs.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Is Testing The FA Market
KCP was a crucial piece in the puzzle of the 2020 NBA Champions, Los Angeles Lakers.
He provided some quality defense while hitting some big shots on the other end of the floor.
He was a perfect fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis who both drew double teams, leaving the corners wide open.
Shams Charania of The Athletic, reported that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be opting out of his player option.
It seems that the Atlanta Hawks are becoming a potential suitor for KCP.
John Hollinger had high praise for KCP, stating the following:
“Cha. Ching. At the absolute worst, Caldwell-Pope will have a huge market at the MLE, with 15 teams or so…Once could easily see a team like Atlanta, Charlotte or even Phoenix deciding to take the plunge on KCP as a starting 2 with a salary in the low-to-mid teens. Over four years that gets him $50-60 million.”
KCP is one of the few Lakers with a player option.
The other key one is Anthony Davis, who — as reported — will opt out, and resign with the Lakers.
KCP Was Big In The Playoffs For The Lakers
Throughout the playoffs, the most consistent third option for the Lakers was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
KCP averaged 29 minutes and 10.7 points for the Lakers throughout the postseason.
He was also effective on the defensive end and had some big time shots in the NBA Finals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has come a long way from being the subject of Lakers fans’ ire to hitting big shots in the NBA Finals. #NBA #NBAFinals #LakeShow https://t.co/Y8D3hyQNHH
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 7, 2020
The Lakers will find themselves in a tough position as they are cap struck and are rumored in many trade headlines.
If KCP is searching for $15 million a year, then it is almost certain he will not return to the Lakers.
But, KCP was big for the Lakers and now, he is an NBA Champion.
🏆 In Year 7, first-time champ with the
the @Lakers… Kentavious Caldwell-Pope! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/48MmD4r5QB— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2020
If he is not able to return to the Lakers because he gets a pay day, then good for him, as he deserves it.
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