After a huge win against the Denver Nuggets, Frank Vogel recently called Alex Caruso the secret weapon of the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the game before the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to earn one of their best wins of the season against the Denver Nuggets.
Playing in the high altitude of Denver is never easy in any sport, but the Lakers have now won two games in the Mile High City. This last win was very impressive, as the Lakers avoided the letdown spot with the All-Star break coming up this weekend.
In the win, the Lakers received from great performances from their two stars, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis both played great. Davis led the Lakers in scoring with 33 points, and James was right behind him with a 32-point triple-double.
Obviously the stars did their part for the Lakers on the road, but they also received a great performance from one of their role players. Alex Caruso played a huge role in the win for the Lakers, as he once again just did all of the little things to help the Lakers get the win.
After the game, Frank Vogel spoke about Caruso being his secret weapon. Here’s what he had to say on Spectrum Sports with text via Silver Screen and Roll.
"“There’s a possibility for [his role] expanding. But right now he’s my secret weapon; I break him out when I need him. He’s certainly earned a rotational spot and he’s in the rotation, but like I said, if we need him to grow into a bigger role, he delivers.”"
In the win, Caruso totaled 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in just 22 minutes. This was one of the better statistical games for Caruso of late, but the really impressive stat was his +23 +/- ratio.
It has been a trend this season that good things seem to happen with Caruso on the court. His high basketball IQ on offense makes him a good fit with a great passer like James, as Caruso is great playing off the ball. On the defensive end, Caruso is a strong defender that can guard a few positions with his tall frame as a guard.
As we head into the second half of the season after the All-Star break, it will be interesting to see if Caruso gets a larger role with the Lakers.