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Upcoming free agents the Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford to let walk

By Jonathan Kiernan

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a 3 point shot late in the 4th quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a 3 point shot late in the 4th quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Alex Caruso

There are players on every roster who just bring the team together. In the NBA they are called glue guys.

The glue guys aren’t always the most talented, most athletic, or even the important player but their worth is invaluable to the team.

Since his arrival from the South Bay Lakers, the “Bald Mamba” has been the breath of fresh air that has become a fan favorite not only on the Lakers but throughout the league.

Alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso is the longest-tenured player currently on the roster.

While many around the league looked at Alex Caruso as a novelty, Lakers nation knew that Alex Caruso was what every single team in the league need.

Caruso is your hard-working, run through a wall, and do anything the team needs kind of player.

While in his early days with the Lakers, his worth to the team may not have been tangible in box score numbers but AC has slowly but surely become one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.

While he isn’t in the Ben Simmons/Marcus Smart category, he is going to get in your face and make you uncomfortable, just ask James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Jamal Murray last season in the playoffs.

AC is no joke.

The Lakers do have more pressing needs in terms of signing different free agents who will offer more tangible upside and stats but few players are more important to the Lakers’ overall morale and locker room dynamic than Alex Caruso.

Letting Alex Caruso leave in free agency would be a big mistake. Sign the man long-term and have your glue guy locked down for years to come.

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