Grading the Lakers' 5 free agent signings thus far

Kuzma, Hart, Bryant Press Conference
Pelinka and Magic have made for a pretty good front office pairing

#4 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - A

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers
Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

This is probably the best move the Lakers made in order to surround James with 3-and-D specialists, as Caldwell-Pope fits that description quite neatly. While he was overpaid last year as the Lakers attempted to reach the salary floor by signing him for a steep $18 million, they have brought him down to a figure which should match his market price of $12 million for one year.

KCP averaged over 42% from downtown during the months of January, February and March last season, and was also able to assume the role of a primary scorer when needed. He's also an active defender with the athleticism to keep up with the best swingmen in the game, and can guard up to 4 positions on the floor.

Props to Magic for realizing the pressing need for a player in his mould alongside James and tying him up for another year.

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