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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 108-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Alex Caruso Signs Two-Way Deal

The NBA expanded their rosters this year to 17 players. They are allowed to carry 15 players on the everyday roster, and then two spots for two-way contracts. Anyone signed to a two-way deal can spend 45 days on the NBA roster; the rest of the season they spend in the NBA G-League.

The Lakers used one of these deals on point guard Alex Caruso. Caruso played sparingly at the beginning of the Summer League. The Lakers had great depth in the backcourt With Ball, Vander Blue, Josh Hart, and David Nwaba. Once injuries and roster changes occurred, Caruso saw more playing time and took full advantage.

Caruso started for Ball against the Kings and had a monster game. He was a major part of the victory, as he scored 18 points with six rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and one block. That performance was enough for the Lakers to give Caruso a two-way deal.

He didn’t rest on his laurels after receiving that contract. Caruso continued to play well in relief of Ball, either as the backup point guard or when Ball was forced from the lineup the final 1.5 games of the Summer League.

Caruso is a solid prospect given his developing skills. He is a heady point guard that can knock down three-pointers and brings it defensively. Caruso’s athleticism is underrated as well as he could develop into a solid backup point guard in the NBA.

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