Los Angeles Lakers: Alex Caruso is the ultimate underdog

If they ever made another film called Underdog (Remember that cute film that came out in 2007?) in which it’s main character was an actual human being who was an athlete, it would have to be Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso in the lead role.

Therefore, the film would have to be either a documentary or have Caruso star in it. It would be much like Eminem did in the film 8 Mile.

Alex Caruso has one of the most amazing stories there are. I’m waiting for ESPN Films to make a 30 for 30 about him. After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, he played in the NBA Developmental League for the Oklahoma City Blue.

He then joined the Lakers in the 2017 NBA Summer League in which he showed off his talents. From there, he signed a two way contract with the Lakers and became the first player from the NBA Developmental League to do so.

Watching Caruso play has always been one of my personal favorite highlights when watching the Lakers. Especially the last two years where we have seen the team rise higher and higher each season and of course win it all last year.

It was wonderful to see Caruso contribute night after night as well as play as hard and smart as he does. He has a deep understanding of the game as well as a very high player IQ. It’s the sort of skills that some players have that go onto becoming coaches or General Managers. Reminds me of Steve Nash, Derek Fisher, and Danny Ainge.

Alex Caruso does it all for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Alex Caruso shoots, passes, creates, plays defense and the guy can jump. One of the most interesting aspects of his game is his hustle. It seems that he is always in that mode, whether he is on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. When he comes into the game, you can always bet that he will give his all.

LeBron loves playing with him as do the rest of the Lakers. He brings a new and fresh impact to the team that is much needed. While he may not be  the leading scorer or lead the team in minutes per game, there is no doubt that he contributes and does his job to make this team better.

Caruso knows his role and he plays that role correctly. He fills in where is needed and gets things done that need to be. A perfect fit for this Laker team.

The Lakers have always had wonderful role players such as Caruso.  Players such as A.C. Green, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, and of course Mike Penberthy. These were all contributors similar to Caruso.

With so many teams busy trying to find a dynamic duo or trio, we seem to forget how important role players are. If you want to see the results of just how important they are, just look at the success rate of the team.

Alex Caruso is the Rudy Ruettiger of the NBA. He has a story similar to Vince Papale, and Kurt Warner. A valuable piece of man power is what he is. I guarantee that if he were on another squad, he could definitely be either a full time starter or a very important contributor similar to what he is now.

His 6-4 frame is a perfect fit for his somewhat lanky body. At first sight one would not think that he possesses the ability to jump as he does but looks sure are deceiving aren’t they? He plays hard and does not back down to anyone. It’s players like him, that franchises wish they had more of. Too bad he has not been cloned.