Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Lakers meet with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Los Angeles Lakers met with unrestricted free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sometime Tuesday, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. “Several teams” are interested in signing him after the Detroit Pistons renounced their rights to him, and he remains one of the best remaining free agent talents available.

The Lakers were linked to Kentavious shortly after the Pistons decided they were no longer interested in retaining the right to match any contract offer to the 24-year-old former No. 8 pick.

Los Angeles has reportedly been offering a large one-year contract to free agent targets, with both George Hill and Dion Waiters turning the offer down for longer-term deals elsewhere.

The Lakers still have approximately $17 million in salary cap space to work with. President of basketball operations Magic Johnson reportedly met with Rajon Rondo as well at some point Tuesday, so the front office may be closing in on finalizing the last moves of their first summer together now that summer league is well underway.

Caldwell-Pope would be a solid signing, especially if the Lakers can keep it down to a one-year deal. The team desperately needs backcourt depth, and he’d immediately be a major defensive upgrade.

For more on the Caldwell-Pope rumors and an interview with Thomas Bryant, listen to the latest episode of Locked on Lakers below: