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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 position battles heading into the playoffs

By Addam Goldman

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

Alex Caruso VS. Dennis Schroder

A debate has sprung up among Laker fans about who should start in the playoffs for the Purple and Gold, Alex Caruso, or Dennis Schroder.

Dennis Schroder might be the fastest player in the league, and he’s a constant dribble-drive threat. He bends opposing defenses by hunting switches and attacking bigger players off the dribble. When he gets to the rim, he can read the defense and drive towards the rack or pass out to an open shooter. Overall, Schroder’s averaging 16 PPG and 6 APG while shooting 44 percent from the field.

On defense, the stats scream Schroder is subpar. FiveThirtyEight’s Defensive RAPTOR rating (a catchall defensive metric created by basketball guru Nate Silver) has Dennis Schroder ranked as the Lakers’ worst defender on the season. Nbashotcharts.com, another popular website favored by armchair GMs, also has Dennis Schroder rated as the Lakers worst defender on the season (DRAPM -.17).

Stats aren’t everything, and Dennis Schroder competes as hard as anybody in the league on defense. Schroder’s size is a significant concern, though. At 170 pounds, Schroder often turns into a hyperactive pest instead of a lockdown defender.

Alex Caruso isn’t nearly the playmaker that Dennis Schroder is. We’ve seen time and time again throughout the season that Caruso doesn’t have the shot-making ability or passing chops to create a shot for himself or a teammate when the Lakers’ offense bogs down.

However, when Caruso can stay within his comfort zone, he’s a plus on offense. Overall, he’s shooting 41 percent from distance this season with a nearly 3/1 assist to turnover ratio.

Frank Vogel recently said Alex Caruso should be considered for the NBA All-Defensive Team. According to the stats, he should be more than just considered a top-10 defender in the league. He is one of the best ballhawks in the world.

Going back to FiveThirtyEight’s Defensive Raptor Rating, Alex Caruso is easily the Lakers best defender this year, which is no minor accomplishment The Purple and Gold is the top defensive team in the NBA. Nbashotcharts.com also has Alex Caruso ranked as the Lakers’ best defender and 5th in the league.

Dennis Schroder is the better shot creator and overall offensive player, while Alex Caruso is the superior outside shooter and defender. When judging who should start, we must ask ourselves what type of player the Lakers need in the starting lineup.

The answer is simple; the Lakers need a defensive ballhawk and quality outside shooter on the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It’s much more critical for the Lakers to start a player like Caruso.

He can harangue the opposing team’s point of attack player, particularly since Dennis Schroder’s skill set is redundant in the Lakers’ starting lineup where LBJ acts as the Lakers’ primary playmaker when he’s on the floor. Point guards like Mike Conley, Chris Paul, Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard, or Steph Curry are essential to their team’s success. Alex Caruso’s ability to shut them down can often be the key to the Purple and Gold winning versus losing.

Dennis Schroder is still a valuable player, but his ability to direct the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense makes him more useful coming off the bench and running the show when James rests.

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