Los Angeles Lakers: J.R. Swishes and Alex Caru”Shows” over Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers finally got a chance to see Alex Caruso on the floor. He did not disappoint!

With LeBron James sitting out, Alex Caruso was placed into the starting lineup with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Danny Green moved to the hybrid small forward/guard slot. This was specifically to see if Caruso would be a viable option to backup James when he rested in the postseason.

It’s hard to gauge Caruso’s playmaking when it’s against the team with the worst defense in the NBA even with their best players, but he showed off some solid ballhandling and playmaking. Something that needs to be noticed is the budding chemistry with Dion Waiters as you see in two plays here.

• Play number one: As you see here, Alex Caruso is initiating the offense at the top. Watch how Dion Waiters cuts back door and AC hits him with the pocket pass for the reverse layup. 
• Play number two: Watch how Dion Waiters gets in the lane with dribble penetration. Instead of watching Dion Waiters dribble assuming that he will shoot, Caruso slides into position for the pass and 3 point shot.

Fans should be encouraged to see the improvement as the Lakers got into their offense much more efficiently with Caruso starting. He also teamed up with Caldwell-Pope to disrupt the Wizards’ passing lanes. The “CaruShow” finished with 17 points and 6 assists.

Alex Caruso will have to be aggressive with his opportunities to score when the season starts. What got him going was driving to the basket, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. He had six in the first quarter alone. Also, he has to be ready to shoot the ball with purpose. This is the first game dating back to before the shutdown that Caruso looked comfortable.

That Dion Waiters dude? He wakes up in the morning getting buckets!