While the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get an update after they get back to L.A. on the status of guard Avery Bradley, the good news for them is that his replacement has performed amicably in his stead, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
KCP, at several points during his Lakers tenure, has been someone that many fans and media often harped on via social media (usually unfairly) to the point that Dwight Howard defended him on Instagram earlier this season. That moment was representative of the current Lakers group, a complete juxtaposition to the squad that performed well at times last year but truly never looked in-sync.
After Wednesday night’s win, LeBron James was asked about Caldwell-Pope, whom he said has “been phenomenal,” as transcribed by Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll.
LeBron on how KCP has played since the team defended him earlier this season, and what their message to him was (via @SpectrumSN): pic.twitter.com/wZZcW1OrWw
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 5, 2019
Caldwell-Pope has usually had the task of guarding opposing team’s primary ball-handler, as Bradley did. He’s done an excellent job, using his 6-5 frame and length to put pressure on the ball. Offensively, he’s found his stroke as LeBron mentioned above.
Over the last 10 games, Caldwell-Pope is averaging 10.3 points per game on 52% shooting from the field and a scorching 45.9% from the 3-point line. He’s also thrown in nearly two assists per game to go with it.
When Bradley returns, Vogel may have to make a decision on whether he wants to keep KCP in the lineup and bring Bradley off the bench. The team has played very well when both have started, so it will be hard for the team to be upset no matter which way he goes. As far as problems go, this is one that you want to have as an NBA coach.