Even if the Los Angeles Lakers fail to win a title this year, it’s safe to assume the franchise will compete for titles in the foreseeable future.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic teaming up in Los Angeles and scoring/facilitating at an exceptionally high level, the Lake Show will always have a chance to contend in the Western Conference.
Still, the organization could elevate its roster in free agency by reuniting with a two-time NBA champion Orlando Magic guard.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus listed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as a primary trade bait asset and Dalton Knecht as a primary trade target for the Magic this summer.
As a Laker during the 2019-20 campaign, Caldwell-Pope played an essential role on a Los Angeles squad that captured an NBA championship.
The Georgia product averaged 9.3 points per contest in the regular season, shooting 46.7% from the field and 38.5% from three-point land.
In the playoffs, Caldwell-pope proved his reliable perimeter play could translate to the big stage. The former lottery pick netted 10.7 points per contest while shooting 41.8% of his field goals and 37.8% from downtown in 21 clashes.
After the 2020-21 season, the Lakers traded Caldwell-Pope to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook.
The ex-McDonald’s All-American only lasted one season with the Wizards before getting dealt to the Denver Nuggets during the 2022 free-agency period.
Unsurprisingly, Caldwell-Pope immediately impacted the Nuggets’ organization, helping them win an NBA title in 2023.
However, Caldwell-Pope’s stint with Denver was short-lived, as Denver declined to re-sign him after the 2023-24 campaign, compelling him to sign with the Magic this past offseason.
The 2013 SEC Player of the Year has struggled immensely with his perimeter shooting this season, only connecting on 31.9% of his triples.
Still, considering he’s already found success with the Lakers and could be a valuable veteran addition, Los Angeles shouldn’t balk at acquiring him in a summer trade centered around standout first-year contributor Knecht.
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