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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Alex Caruso needs to start over Tyler Ennis

By Phillip Hawkins

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 15: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 15: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With Lonzo Ball out, the Los Angeles Lakers should be starting Alex Caruso over Tyler Ennis.

It’s been two weeks since the Los Angeles Lakers last had Lonzo Ball on the floor.  With the rookie sensation out trying to find someone to fill his shoes has been tough for Lakers coach Luke Walton.

With Ball out, Walton is searching to find someone who plays with the same pace and poise that Lonzo possesses.  Since Ball’s injury, Tyler Ennis has been starting in his place, but recently Alex Caruso has something else to say about that.  What Caruso is doing with his minutes is making it hard for the coaching staff not to start him.

After drafting Lonzo, the Lakers offense has been set around pace and pushing the basketball.  Running with the first team, Ennis has done a decent job running the team, but his production has been less than stellar.  This season Ennis is only averaging 3.4 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds a game.

Not doing a bad job, Ennis’ game has been overshadowed by Caruso in the past few games.  In their win over the New York Knicks, Caruso had nine points and eight assists, which is better than any game Ennis has had in the last ten games.  When it comes to playing in Luke Walton’s offense Caruso seems like the better fit.

A lot of the Lakers offense this season has been created through their defense.  From getting steals and scoring in transition to just getting stops and running their offense, defense is key.  Often times the offense goes as their defense goes.

When it comes to the defensive side of the ball Caruso is looking better.  At 6’5″ Caruso can match up with multiple positions on the floor and his length can bother offenses.  In the last ten games Caruso is averaging a steal a game.  His ability to force turnovers and run the offense is just what the Lakers are looking for.

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As the backup point guard the Lakers don’t need Ennis or Caruso to be stars, they just need to get the job done.  Right now the Lakers are on a four game winning steak.  We’ll see if these two guards can keep working together and pulling out wins until Lonzo is back.

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