Lakers news: LeBron James doesn't 'give a damn' what people say about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Asked about the criticism on his Lakers teammate, LeBron James said he doesn't care about all the negative chatter on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Los Angeles Lakers have a lot to cheer about with their beloved Purple and Gold sitting atop the Western Conference standings. Some Laker fans, however, are not happy with the play of reserve guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope so far. Asked about the criticism on his teammate, LeBron James said he doesn't care about all the negative chatter on KCP, per Ben Golliver of The Washington Post. He also suggested that they not pay attention to all the noise outside the locker room.

Lakers’ LeBron James on criticism of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: “I could give a d—- about what people say outside the locker room… I don’t think anyone should pay attention to it, but it’s dope that Dwight [Howard] stuck up for him.” pic.twitter.com/7RB42fQSmO

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 16, 2019

James, did, however, laud Dwight Howard for sticking up to Caldwell-Pope on social media.

Caldwell-Pope, however, shut his haters up last night when he came up big down the stretch to help the Lakers close out the Sacramento Kings at home, 99-97. The no. 8 overall pick in 2013 scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.

He scored 9 of the 12 in a two and a half minute stretch as the Lakers and Kings exchanged blows down the stretch. Caldwell-Pope nailed some crucial shots, including a go-ahead three-pointer to break a 90-all tie with a little over three minutes to go.

Some Lakers fans have expressed their confusion on why KCP continues to get consistent minutes on the rotation despite his atrocious start to the season. With arguably his best game of the season under his belt, perhaps some of the negative noise on him will die down for now.

In 12 games this season (including two starts), Caldwell-Pope is averaging 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, while shooting at a just 39 percent from the field and a horrendous 29.6 percent from three.

As bad as he has been for the majority of the season, the Lakers will likely stick with KCP given his potential to be a streak 3-and-D guy for them. Oh, and of course, he's a Klutch guy, too.