Los Angeles Lakers: Two players who deserve more playing time in 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Alex Caruso

  • Minutes played per game: 17.8

Alex Caruso’s journey from a solid G League player to being one of the biggest fan favorites in the NBA has been interesting. Caruso is by no means a top point guard in the NBA but he finished fourth in fan voting for the All-Star Game, showing how popular he has become with Laker fans and general NBA fans.

Caruso has been a solid bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. He is playing 17.8 minutes off the bench for the Lakers but is only averaging 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The numbers might not be great, but the highlights are.

Caruso should not get more playing time just because he is a fan favorite, he should get more playing time because he is efficient when he is on the court and after proving himself to be a solid role player for an entire season, he deserves more playing time.

That playing time should come at the sake of Rajon Rondo, who has been really frustrating to watch at times this season. Rondo is important to the Lakers as he gives the team a second ball-handler to facilitate behind LeBron James but it is time for him to get fewer minutes, as LeBron is on the court for 34.9 minutes per game.

Caruso should see his minutes jump above 20 per game next season while Rondo if he is even on the team next season, should be reduced to 15 or fewer minutes per game. Not only will it make the fans happy, but Caruso fits being an off-ball scorer/defender much better than Rondo does.