Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
2019/20 season
69 games – 26 starts – 25.5 minutes per game
9.3 points – 2.1 rebounds – 1.6 assists
2P% – 54.1%, 3P% – 38.5%, FT% – 77.5%
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a key player for the Lakers. With Rajon Rondo injured, and Avery Bradley unavailable due to personal reasons, KCP is the second-best perimeter defender and an important shot creator and distributor. He has never been a great passer but will be asked to do some playmaking in the few minutes LeBron is off the floor.
KCP has had the most efficient season of his NBA career in 2019/20. His role is reduced, so it’s lower volume, but importantly he has had his best year as a Laker.
He is a staunch defender who can knock down the three at around league average while also being a good finisher at the rim.
This is his third year with the Lakers, but this post-season will only be the second of his career. He had one post-season run with the Detroit Pistons, performing credibly in the 2015/16 season.
Like Kuzma, KCP is young and has a player option for next year. It is only $8 million, and if he performs credibly, he could potentially garner a more significant deal elsewhere.
He is critical to the Lakers defensively, as he will be tasked with defending the red hot Damian Lillard. If KCP can slow down Lillard at all, then the Lakers will likely win this series easily.