Report: Lakers' Caldwell-Pope to decline player option

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is set to become a free agent. Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to decline player option, become free agent

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/16/20

The latest news surrounding Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope doesn't come as a surprise.

Caldwell-Pope will decline his $8.5 million player option for the 2020-21 season and become a free agent, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. He's expected to have a number of suitors when free agency begins.

Lakers starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will decline his 2020-21 player option and enter free agency, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. He’s expected to have several suitors at start of free agency — and teams are under impression he’s open to offers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020

While he is open to offers, a return to the Lakers isn't completely off the table. General manager Rob Pelinka could potentially match any offer Caldwell-Pope receives without breaking the bank.

Caldwell-Pope was L.A.'s third most consistent player throughout the 2020 playoffs, behind only LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 27-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 41.8% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range.

With Rajon Rondo also headed for free agency, it would be a mistake for the Lakers to pass up the opportunity to keep Caldwell-Pope around for the future.

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