Beijing time on November 22, The Athletic reporter Charania reported that the Lakers successfully reached a renewal agreement with Pope. The two sides will sign a three-year contract worth 40 million US dollars.
Pope played a very important role in the Lakers winning the championship last season. In the regular season, Pope played 69 games for the Lakers, starting 26 times, averaging 9.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 46.7% and 38.5% from three-pointers, respectively. In the playoffs, due to Bradley's retirement, Pope was ordered to enter the starting lineup. He played 21 games and started all the games, averaging 10.7 points per game and 37.8% of three-pointers.
enters a critical stage in the playoffs, and Pope's role is more prominent. From the fourth game of the Western Conference semifinals to the end of the finals, Pope scored 11 times in 13 games in double-digit scores, becoming the most powerful helper around James and the thick eyebrows, and was even nicknamed the Lakers' first place by fans. Big Three. With his outstanding performance in the playoffs, Popper has played his own worth. According to the report by Chalanya, he has attracted the interest of many teams. Before the opening of the free market, Pope unsurprisingly jumped out of a contract worth 8.5 million next season and became a completely free agent.
According to media reports, the Lakers and Pope are interested in continuing to cooperate, and the difference between the two parties lies in the size of the contract. Because the Lakers signed Matthews with a bi-annual special case, the team triggered a hard salary cap clause. Under the premise that the thick eyebrow brother did not reduce the salary to renew, the Lakers can provide Popper with a starting salary of about 12 million US dollars at most.
In the end, according to Charania's report, the Lakers and Pope have reached an agreement that the two sides will sign a three-year contract worth $40 million. It is reported that the third year of the contract between Pope and the Lakers is partially guaranteed.
American basketball reporter Pincus analyzed that after the Lakers provided Popper with such a contract, the team may have no room to keep Markieff Morris, unless he accepts the basic salary contract, or the big eyebrows accept the junior at the time of renewal. A substantial pay cut.
But anyway, the Lakers renewed Popper's contract to help the team complete the goal of defending next season. The Lakers lost a number of winning members in this offseason. They sent away Danny Green through a trade. After Howard and Rondo became free agents, they also voted for his team. The Lakers' other main player in the regular season last season, Bula Deli also jumped out of the contract and joined the Heat.
Pope’s stay allowed the Lakers to retain the winning core team of James, Big Eyebrows (reported to be 100% renewed) and Pope, plus the team’s introduction of Harrell, Schroder and Matthews. , The strength of the Lakers continues unabated. (Sean)
