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Los Angeles Lakers: Alex Caruso is key to get through rough times

By ANTHONY BISCIELLO

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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The definition of an unselfish person is a person that looks out for themselves second and for others around them first. Under the definition of an unselfish player in the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso‘s picture should be big and beautiful. He is a rare gem, and especially during these hard times.

Alex Caruso is all things that many in the NBA wish they could be. He can shoot, play defense, he hustles and plays with heart. His teammates love him and his style. Most importantly, and something we see so rarely in this NBA of today, is that he is an unselfish player who dishes the ball out and fills in where he is most needed rather than trying to be the leading scorer every night.

Plus, he is one of the more cerebral players in the NBA. Add all of that up and you have one of the more valuable players.

Alex Caruso’s stats don’t matter for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Don’t go by the stats. After all, while they are somewhat important, there are certain things that players do that will not show up in the statistical column. Like heart, hustle, drive, being a team player, and the desire to be a champion.

They don’t have columns for that and perhaps they should. So what if Caruso only averages six points per game? Look around him. He already has enough scorers and he scores when he can and if he has to.

If you do choose to look at the stats, be sure to look at the plus/minus column and you will see how valuable Caruso is. So far this season, he has been as high as +28, +21, and +20 in various games this season.

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During these tough times of injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers need someone who has a veteran-like presence as well as one that is well-rounded and always in control. That’s Alex Caruso.

Caruso helps keep things together. Every time he is in the game you can bet on the team playing more up-tempo or there being more energy in them. Caruso is that type of spark plug. Every team needs one.

He would be equivalent to that batter in baseball that always comes through with a single or a bunt or when he is on base, you know he has the ability to steal. In football, he would be that wide receiver who might not be the tallest or the most muscular but will come through with some sort of amazing and acrobatic catch. In hockey, he would be that guy in the clutch who either makes a great pass or creates a great play that ends up with a game-winning or clutch goal.

That’s Alex Caruso.

Imagine if he were on another team as a starter? Sure, his stats would be higher, but so what? He is one of the most valuable players on the Lakers roster. Just ask LeBron. He has mentioned in the past how important Caruso is and how much he enjoys playing with him.

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People who really know the game of basketball watch him and always comment on how many things he does well. I have heard and seen so many that keep their eyes on him and will always comment on so many of the aspects of the game that he has locked down.

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