Four other players scored in double figures for the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus we might have found a playmaker!
With Anthony Davis out, the Lakers had to find a way to replace 27 points in the lineup. Well, it was done by committee.
Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Avery Bradley and Alex Caruso all scored in double figures. But here’s what is exciting if you are a Lakers fan or an NBA casual.
Alex Caruso played an outstanding floor game for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 23 minutes, Caruso scored 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting (Knocking down both shots from distance!) and dishing out six assists.
He was the one that got Dwight Howard off on a good start early. He led the team with a plus/minus of +25.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1216942065038196736
It can be controversial trying to analyze what Caruso brings to the table based on the box scores and his stats. But in the analytics age, players like Caruso get lost in the sauce, so to speak. Caruso was a star in this game. But he’s a star in the role that he plays in general for this team. A 5-point average doesn’t measure the intangibles that he brings.
What is making this team nearly unbeatable these days is everyone is contributing at the right time. Take Danny Green, who no one could find for the last couple of weeks.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1216949655474294785
In the 3rd quarter, while Cedi Osman is bringing the ball up, Danny Green steals the pass which sets up a 2-on-1 situation. Green sets LeBron up and brings the house down. That along with any chance the Cleveland Cavaliers had to get back in the game.
Green had 10 points with four rebounds, four steals and two assists. Avery Bradley did his damage early cutting to the basket for layups. He was the best player for the Lakers in the first half.
As for Kuzma, let’s get to him, shall we?