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Los Angeles Lakers: Players that should replace Danny Green as a starter

By Ronald Agers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the against the Oklahoma City Thunder game at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the against the Oklahoma City Thunder game at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Is Alex Caruso overly hyped? Absolutely! But the Los Angeles Lakers could use him in the starting lineup!

For the record, this is not an indictment of Alex Caruso. He is a hard-working player that competes hard on the defensive end and disrupts the offense of the opponent. Bleacher Report and ESPN takes the blame for that.

Social media likes and retweets are part of the business. That’s why he is a perfect candidate to be put in the starting lineup. If the last scrimmage game against the Washington Wizards didn’t illustrate what he can do as a starter, nothing will.

With LeBron James sitting out, Alex Caruso was in the starting lineup with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Danny Green started, but he didn’t play well here either.

Wasn’t this an exercise to see if Caruso would be a viable option to backup James when he rested in the postseason? He did well. What’s the problem? He finished with 17 points and 6 assists in a comfortable win. Granted he got more opportunities but that’s the point of this discussion right?

But here’s the problem. Social media and NBA casuals concentrate on plays like this.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1291161171962105858

Instead of plays like this.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1287852310278754304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1287852310278754304%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flakeshowlife.com%2F2020%2F07%2F27%2Flos-angeles-lakers-jr-smith-alex-caruso-wizards%2F

Alex Caruso is a very good ballplayer that provides energy every single night. With opposing starting guards getting layup lines with the awful perimeter defense, Alex Caruso’s hustle and defending 94 feet will cause turnovers for possible easy baskets. His defense has been the only one near to what Avery Bradley provided this season.

Does Caruso’s offense need work? Absolutely. Just like the rest of the roster, he can’t shoot. But at least he plays tough defense and can make plays off the ball which Danny Green has not done in the season reboot.

But if Alex Caruso does get the call there are things he has to do to stay there.

  • He has to be aggressive with his opportunities to score when he is on the floor early with LeBron.
  • Please hit that corner 3 point shot!
  • Drive to the basket when the lane opens up. If the defense draws to him, throw the lob to AD, JaVale or Dwight.
  • Draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.
  • Shoot the ball with purpose.

Alex Caruso has an advantage here. LeBron James actually likes the guy and trusts him. Whether you like it or not, Caruso and LeBron have made plays all season long and Caruso is that selfless player any LeBron James team needs. He’s scrappy and is willing to do the dirty work.

Anybody seen Danny Green do that as of late? Oh, we will wait.

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