Why did Kentavious Caldwell-Pope serve a 25-day sentence at a detention center in 2017? All you need to know

Before winning the championship with the LA Lakers in 2020, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a bit of a bump on the road. Back in 2017, Caldwell-Pope was a hot topic around the NBA for the way he played with the Lakers.

In the summer of 2017, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year deal $18 million with the Lakers. He started the season well with the team and became a huge part of their rotation.

However, in December, he pleaded guilty to a probation violation he committed during the summer. The incident happened in March of the same year when he was with the Detroit Pistons.

According to his lawyer, Caldwell-Pope was caught operating a vehicle while intoxicated. KCP pleaded guilty and was given a 12-month probation. Based on reports, the former eighth overall pick failed to submit mandatory alcohol and drug testing as part of the probation, which was a requirement (via ESPN.com).

Due to this, KCP had to serve a 25-day sentence at the Seal Beach Police Department Detention Center in Orange County, California. Luckily for him, he was allowed to attend team practices and home games under a work-release program.

Outside the facility, the 6-foot-5 sharpshooter was required to wear an ankle monitor. This made him the talk of the town as he played a few games for the Lakers with an ankle monitor.

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The Denver Nuggets got a steal in trading for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Denver Nuggets Media Day

Based on the eye-test, when the Denver Nuggets traded for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, no one saw the difference. Trading Will Barton for KCP was a head-scratcher for most people as they seemed to be similar players. However, looking at it on a grander scale, KCP looks like a better fit for Mike Malone's system.

Comparing the two players' stats, they're both very similar. Both are knockdown shooters and can defend the perimeter at a high rate. However, KCP has played better overall basketball this season compared to Barton.

In comparison, the former NBA champion is a more calculated player, especially on the offensive side of the game. Unlike Barton, KCP is comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations that could be valuable for the Nuggets come playoff time.

In the Nuggets' most recent game against the Lakers, Caldwell-Pope was helped off the court due to a leg injury and the extent of the injury is unknown as of now.

Nuggets fans will hope the injury is not serious and KCP returns to the court soon. In four games this season, KCP is averaging 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He is also shooting an impressive 47.6% from deep.