They all heard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s voice during Monday’s training in Memphis, his words of encouragement, willingness to offer instruction and leadership qualities on display and get the Lakers’ technical team to notice.
They knew that Caldwell-Pope was a little reticent during their first season together, to play their part and listen to the coaches during the 2019-20 championship race.
When coaches heard Caldwell-Pope explain some things to Talen Horton-Tucker, Frank Vogel said that he and his team discussed the matter.
“He is in the second year of our system [and is] more comfortable and more comfortable in its function, ”said Vogel during a videoconference. “And when you’re more comfortable in a system, in a role, you’re more confident to take on leadership situations and help someone like Talen with some coverage or things.
“KCP designed the biggest mission defensively in a championship, do you know what I mean? So he has a very strong pedigree there and to see him sharing his knowledge and helping some of the young people is a good sign. “
Caldwell-Pope lost the game in Memphis on Sunday with a sprain in his left ankle that the guard said “is not yet 100%”, but he remained engaged. He pulled Horton-Tucker during the victory on Sunday to offer the sophomore guard some tips.
“Mainly Talen because he is the youngest who is getting minutes, so just trying to put him in the right position, especially in defense,” said Caldwell-Pope on Monday. “We already know what he can do on the offensive side. Just trying to keep him on the defensive line, tell him how to make the move. If he did something wrong, tell him what he did wrong. And then also, just tell him to understand, and then when he gets back there, there will be no more mistakes. “
Caldwell-Pope is known to be a kind of iron man, playing with injuries and pain. But the Lakers listed it as questionable for Tuesday night’s game in Memphis.
He seemed optimistic when talking to the media.
“The ankle is fine,” said Caldwell-Pope. “I trained today and got a little movement. Not 100% yet, but I hope to be able to go tomorrow. It depends on how I feel. “
Caldwell-Pope wants to be in court at all costs. He said it is not so much the injury that frustrates him, but that he can only help on the bench.
“The only frustration is that I wanted to be out there with my brothers playing, but, unfortunately, I had to stay out,” he said. “But, you know, just sitting and watching the game, really watching what’s going on out there was really good. My experience was good at the bank. I have to help young people, even some of the new guys. So just talking to them, talking to everyone, it was nice to be able to see it from the bank’s perspective. “
Etc.
The Lakers listed LeBron James as questionable because of a sprain in his left ankle and Alex Caruso as questionable because of the health and safety protocols of COVID-19.
NEXT
IN MEMPHIS
When: 5 PM PST, Tuesday
Up in the air: Spectrum SportsNet; Radio: 710, 1330.
Update: The Lakers and Grizzlies will step back after LA won 108-94 on Sunday night in Memphis. A win would give the Lakers an overview of their two-city, four-game trip.