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Los Angeles Lakers: Most important role players to win a championship

By Oleg Svystun

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 17: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 17, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 17: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 17, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Alex Caruso, Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Alex Caruso

The Bald Mamba already has arguably the most important individual role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series: primary on-ball Damian Lillard defender.

In Game 1, Caruso played fairly well when guarding Lillard. Lillard still finished the game with 34 points, but that was a close 2nd lowest out of his last 5 outings. What the Lakers are certainly more upset about is that he finished with the W.

The Lakers must now win 4 out of a potential 6 games against the Trailblazers. For this to happen, Alex Caruso needs to play a big role, specifically when it comes to playing defense on Dame. He’s the only guy on the team quick enough and with enough of a motor to consistently stand a chance staying in front of Dame.

Caruso got big minutes in Game 1 and spent most of the time sticking to Lillard. With limited options at the point, this will likely remain the theme throughout the rest of the series. This alone should justify Caruso’s inclusion in this article

If the Lakers can advance to the 2nd round, Caruso’s defensive assignments wouldn’t get much easier as he’ll be forced to guard combinations of Westbrook/Harden or CP3/SGA. Get by them, and you have to deal with Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, or one of the two most dangerous teams in the West, the Clippers or the Mavs.

No matter who the Lakers meet in the playoffs, Caruso will be tasked with defending at very least the 3rd best offensive player. Caruso will need to play to his strengths. He’ll need to provide constant energy, run the floor, play tough defense, draw charges, and keep that sweet chemistry he’s got with LBJ going throughout the playoffs.

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