Lakers Rumors: Rajon Rondo To Join LA After Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope?

After a big splash in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers made their first free-agent signing since trading for center Brook Lopez. On Wednesday, the Lakers agreed to terms with shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a one-year deal worth $18 million, according to reports.

Caldwell-Pope, who played his entire four-year career with the Detroit Pistons, is considered a key addition in the Lakers’ hopes of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

A fluid player with a lot of athleticism, the 24-year-old thrives in the open court, is an effective penetrator, can create his own shot and is a catch-and-shoot scorer. Last season, he averaged 13.8 points per game and converted 153 three-point shots.

Caldwell-Pope has also proven to be durable, missing a total of just 14 games, while averaging 30.2 minutes over his career. He also provides the Lakers a much-needed defensive presence on the perimeter, something the team sorely lacked last season.

While the addition is considered a positive step for a team looking to make big moves next year, team president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka may not be done tinkering with next season’s roster.

Reports continue to swirl that the Lakers have an interest in point guard Rajon Rondo. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Rondo met with Johnson on Tuesday. On Thursday, ESPN reported that the New Orleans Pelicans held discussions with Rondo. He has also drawn interest from the New York Knicks.

The 31-year-old was waived by the Chicago Bulls on June 30 for salary purposes and could join the Lakers for $4.3 million through the mid-level exception. Last season, Rondo averaged 7.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

Rondo, a savvy veteran who won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, would likely be viewed as a mentor to incoming rookie Lonzo Ball.

Johnson and Pelinka may not have any other free-agent options beyond Rondo. The addition of Caldwell-Pope likely means the Lakers are no longer in the running for guards Ian Clark, Monta Ellis and Ty Lawson. The Lakers had $16.5 million in salary-cap space before signing Caldwell-Pope, whose contract will count for $21.6 million against the Lakers' cap.

Signing Caldwell-Pope is not expected to impede the Lakers' pursuit of top free agents in 2018. Reports continue to suggest that L.A. has plans for a "super team" that may include Paul George, Russell Westbrook and LeBron James.

The current Lakers starting lineup likely consists of Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Lopez in the frontcourt, with Ball and Caldwell-Pope in the backcourt. Head coach Luke Walton may consider using swingman Jordan Clarkson in a sixth-man role, spelling time for both Ball and Caldwell-Pope.

Off the bench, the Lakers have veterans Luol Deng and Corey Brewer, along with young frontcourt players Larry Nance Jr., and Ivica Zubac. After drafting Ball, the Lakers used late picks on Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Thomas Bryant.