Lakers re-sign guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s strong play throughout the 2020 NBA Finals helped boost L.A. to the title.

The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year, $40 million contract, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The team made the move official on Sunday night.

Free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has agreed to a three-year, $40M deal with the Lakers, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 22, 2020

OFFICIAL: @CaldwellPope is back for more pic.twitter.com/FT6AlBhLnq

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 23, 2020

Caldwell-Pope, who spent the past three seasons with the Lakers after four in Detroit, declined his $8.49 million player option prior to free agency.

Originally drafted No. 8 overall in 2013, KCP averaged 9.3 points and 2.1 rebounds during the 2019-20 season and played a pivotal role for Los Angeles during the team’s title run, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc while averaging 10.7 points.

And he has at least one crucial supporter on the Lakers roster:

YESSIR @CaldwellPope!!!! Congrats my brother

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 22, 2020

Caldwell-Pope should continue to slot at the 2 in a refreshed Lakers lineup likely to include trade acquisition Dennis Schroder and reported addition Montrezl Harrell alongside returning anchors LeBron James and Anthony Davis.