NBA 2018/19: 3 Players that are likely to leave the Lakers this month

#2 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Los Angeles Lakers are including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in trade talks with the Phoenix Suns

There were high expectations among Lakers fans when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope landed in Los Angeles back in 2017. Caldwell-Pope arrived as a young talent, who had already established himself as a starter, capable of being effective on both ends of the court. The shooting guards first season in LA was also promising, as the 25-year-old was a regular starter, and he averaged 13.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Despite this, Caldwell-Pope has lost his starting place since the arrival of LeBron James, and he is no longer a valuable player to the team. The former Pistons man is averaging just 21.6 minutes from the bench, and his points-per-game total has fallen to a near career-low of 8.6.

Magic Johnson and the Lakers reportedly see the point guard as expendable, and he is likely to be a necessary sacrifice so the franchise can bring in new players. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be interested in acquiring the player, so it is highly unlikely that Caldwell-Pope will still be a Lakers man come January.