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 Nov 16, 2020 11:16 AM ET

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.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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