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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to watch during Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk pose for a photo during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk pose for a photo during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to watch during Summer League
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

No. 4: Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso is in a unique position. It was revealed earlier this offseason that the two-way deal that he signed last year was for two years, not one. As a result, he is still a two-way player for the Lakers this season. However, like Newman, the Lakers backcourt is becoming crowded and he needs to play well in the summer to keep his spot.

Caruso was a breakout performer for Los Angeles last summer. His performance in Las Vegas as a replacement for Lonzo Ball when he was injured was impressive. It earned him a spot in training camp and eventually a two-way deal.

Caruso had some flashes with the NBA team, but he is not ready to be a full-time rotation player. The Lakers are adding a lot of talent to their team this offseason, pushing Caruso further down the depth chart. If he wants to hold onto his spot or move up, he has to play well once again this summer.

Caruso played very well in the G League with the South Bay Lakers last season. Right now, the Lakers do not have a true backup point guard on the roster. That could be a role that Caruso gets if he continues showing development and plays well.

This is an important summer for Caruso’s future with the Lakers. A good showing could land him a deal with the NBA team as Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka will look to round out the roster with cheaper options.

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