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3 most surprising Los Angeles Lakers thus far in 2021

By Jason Reed

Feb 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) and head coach Frank Vogel listen as center Marc Gasol (14) speaks during a time out in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) and head coach Frank Vogel listen as center Marc Gasol (14) speaks during a time out in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Most surprising Los Angeles Lakers: 2. Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso has been a Lakers fan-favorite for several years now so plenty of Laker fans were expecting solid play out of the former Texas A&M Aggie. Caruso was huge in the playoffs for the Lakers last season, showing many that he is more than just a social media meme.

Caruso has been surprising even if he did have heightened expectations heading into the season. While he has missed time due to health and safety protocols and a bruised right hand. When he has played, he has been exceptional.

Caruso is playing the same elite defense that he played last season for the Lakers. Not only is he a fantastic defensive player, but it is very noticeable when Caruso is not playing. The Lakers’ perimeter defense was worse while Caruso was resting with the hand injury and got much better once he returned against Memphis.

The off/on splits are extremely telling. The Lakers’ defensive rating is 8.2 points better when Caruso is on the court and their net rating is 13.8 points higher when Caruso is on the court. That isn’t just higher than any other rotation player on the Lakers, but it is the best in the entire league. 

So while Laker fans expected Caruso to be good, he has raised his game to an entirely new level this season. There is a reason why he is tenth in all-star voting among guards this season, and quite frankly, it is justified.

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