Lakers News: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Says He’s More Focused On Defense Than Offense
Lakers News: Kentavious Caldwell-pope Says He’s More Focused On Defense Than Offense
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers introduced their big free agent signing, shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Though training camp hasn’t begun, Caldwell-Pope has already penciled into the starting shooting guard spot thanks to his excellent two-way play.

An excellent shooter and defender, Caldwell-Pope can make a major difference on both ends of the floor, but at his press conference he noted that defense has always been more important to him, via Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet:

That mindset is exactly what the Lakers were looking at when they signed him Caldwell-Pope will be able to defend the other team’s best guard and take some pressure off rookie Lonzo Ball.

Magic Johnson pointed out how important Caldwell-Pope’s defense is to the Lakers’ offense as well, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:

Defense always leads to offense and for a team that wants to get up and down the court like the Lakers do, they must get stops. Defense starts with perimeter players locking down, and the Lakers now have one in tow with the fourth year guard from Georgia.

With a lot of interchangeable and athletic pieces, getting out in transition is the Lakers’ best strategy, especially with Ball being at his best on the fast break.

Even though Caldwell-Pope will be focused on defense first, he will still make an impact on offense as well. He can play on and off the ball with excellent shooting, movement, and passing. The Lakers seemingly signed the perfect fit for their roster.

You May Also Like

Mychal Thompson Predicts Lakers Will Draft Okafor, Make Second Round

Los Angeles Lakers legend Mychal Thompson is one of the more vocal…

Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Expects Max Christie To Be A ‘Force’ In Training Camp Fighting For Rotation Spot

Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie has continued to turn heads and prove his case for being a rotation player going…

Lakers Survive Late Scare, Win Back and Forth Battle With Mavericks

The Lakers opened up their two-game road trip at the home of…

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Insists Relationship With Lonzo Ball Is ‘All Good’ Despite Diss Track

One driving force to the Los Angeles Lakers making a nine-win improvement over last season was the chemistry the…