Lakers News: Lonzo Ball ‘can’t wait’ to play with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

LAS VEGAS- The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy in Las Vegas handling summer league, but the front office took their operation back to Los Angeles to focus on rounding out their roster in free agency.

Their one and only signing thus far, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, finishes a complete renovation of their backcourt in a single summer. Head coach Luke Walton told Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post that he plans on starting Caldwell-Pope at the two-guard slot, and that Lonzo Ball had the runway cleared for him to land as the starting point guard.

Naturally, Ball was asked for his opinion about his new running mate.

“I know he's a shooter and I know he can run, so that's going to work fine with me, and I can't wait to play with him,” Ball said of playing alongside Caldwell-Pope following the Lakers’ victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“A lot more versatile to the defense,” Ball said when asked for his thoughts on how they fit together defensively. “He can guard multiple positions and so can I, so that helps a lot.”

Caldwell-Pope’s definitely known more for his defense than shooting, but did shoot a career-high 35 percent from deep last season. We’ll see if being on the receiving end of Ball’s prolific passing elevates his shooting next season.