The Los Angeles Lakers have already had a busy offseason and with the free agency period now winding down, Magic Johnson and company could be looking to make one last splash. There are still some solid guards remaining on the market and the Lakers seem to be motivated to add another backcourt player to their young and promising roster.
One of the biggest names still available is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who is coming off a career year with the Detroit Pistons. After the Pistons swung a trade for Avery Bradley making Caldwell-Pope an unrestricted free agent, multiple teams have shown interest in his services. One of those teams being the Lakers who recently met with the shooting guard according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope met with Lakers today, sources said. Several teams have expressed interest since he became unrestricted.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 11, 2017
Caldwell-Pope is an effective two-way wing and he could be in line for a max contract though the odds are beginning to look thinner as free agency continues. Either way, the 24-year-old will come with a hefty price tag and would likely start right away next to Lonzo Ball in an off-ball role.
Along with KCP, the Lakers have also met with veteran floor general Rajon Rondo, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Free agent guard Rajon Rondo met with Lakers president Magic Johnson in Los Angeles today, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 11, 2017
Obviously, Rondo wouldn’t have a starter role, but his experience could pay huge dividends in the growth of Ball and would provide the team with a veteran leader off the bench. Look for the Lakers to pursue another piece to add to their young backcourt before the offseason concludes.
