Los Angeles Lakers fans received an encouraging update on the injury status of swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, courtesy of his wife, McKenzie.
“KCP is okay. Thank you for the well wishes!” McKenzie wrote on her Instagram story after 11 a.m. PT on Friday.
McKenzie Caldwell-Pope says that KCP is okay 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/apbrxsagS5
— zain fahimullah (@zain_gogh) May 28, 2021
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was forced to leave in the second quarter of the Lakers' Game 3 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday due to a left groin contusion. He was initially listed as questionable to return but was not able to do so.
This does not look great for KCP https://t.co/TTV4vWkeL3
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) May 28, 2021
After the game, he recalled how he suffered the injury, which occurred when he ran into Devin Booker with about four minutes remaining in the first half.
“I was coming off the pick and roll with him and a kind of hostage situation — he tried to hostage me,” Caldwell-Pope said, meaning Booker tried to hold him up on a screen. “He kind of backed into my leg and it hyperextended a little bit. Other than that, that was all that happened. I immediately felt pain when he bumped me, and it hyperextended. And it was painful enough where I couldn’t finish the game.”
Caldwell-Pope provided an optimistic outlook on his status in his post-game Zoom.
“A little sore, but I’m doing well,” KCP said. “I got two days for rest and recovery. I hope I’m ready to go Sunday.”
KCP was slated for an MRI on Friday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The Lakers confirmed that KCP did, in fact, receive the MRI.
The Lakers confirm @mcten's report that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got an MRI. Results are not available yet.
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) May 28, 2021
It's unclear whether McKenzie's post was based on her knowledge of the MRI results.
Caldwell-Pope had five points on 2-of-4 shooting, plus four rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes in Game 3.
At some point, the Lakers will need their best 3-and-D option to find his shooting stroke from beyond the arc. KCP led the team in 3-point percentage during the regular season (41.0) but has made one of his 13 attempts in the Suns series.
Los Angeles will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead over Phoenix in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon (12:30 p.m. PT) at Staples Center.
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