KEY POINTS

  • Avery Bradley will miss the remainder of the modified season in Orlando
  • The LA Lakers are one of the favorites to win the NBA championship 
  • Players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are expected to step up 

The modified NBA season in Orlando will prove to be a big adjustment for all teams given the unique current global situation. While the Los Angeles Lakers are still one of the favorites to win this year’s championship, they will have to do it without their defensive specialist Avery Bradley.

The news of Bradley not suiting up for the games proves to be a difficult challenge for the Lakers given the energy the veteran displays on the floor. With this development, the Lakers are expecting their bench to step up. In particular, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a key piece in making this happen.

The Lakers are still one of the predicted finalists for this year’s championship but it will all depend on how their roster can rise to the occasion and support their star players.

The dominance of All-Star big man Anthony Davis has made all the difference this year. The duo of Davis and LeBron James is considered one of the more impressive combinations in the league.

For LeBron, he’s slated for another MVP caliber season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists per outing. This is coupled with Davis’ 26.7 points and 9.4 boards a night. It’s important that these two players get the support needed if they want to make a deep playoff run in the modified season.

Per Lake Show Life, the Lakers should consider boosting Caldwell-Pope’s minutes given how he’s been a pivotal piece in the team’s backcourt. While KCP hasn’t been the most popular player on the team, he has been a steady contributor for the Lakers. Despite the numerous appearances in blooper-reels, Caldwell-Pope has been a reliable option on the defensive end while tallying a steady 9.5 points per game on 47.2% shooting.

Having Caldwell-Pope in a bigger role once the season returns will be crucial for the Lakers given how he’s already developed chemistry playing alongside Davis and LeBron. The absence of Bradley will be well covered by Caldwell-Pope and fan-favorite Alex Caruso if the coaching staff gives them more opportunities.

The Lakers are looking to win it all in the current season and they’re hoping to develop their current team to improve their chances in succeeding years. It will be interesting to see where players such as Caldwell-Pope end up in the long run if the Lakers continue their winning ways.

LeBron James Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes his home debut against the Houston Rockets as he talks with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images