Los Angeles Lakers grades, the defensive guards:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: B
The veteran guard scored 9.7 points per game this year which was up from last year’s 9.3. He also shot a career-high from three-point with 41% and a field goal percentage of 43%, which was the second-highest of his career.
There were times he seemed to struggle at certain points this season and there were times when he was on fire. Overall, he has come back around toward the end of the season and hopefully, he can perform the way he did in the NBA Finals during this postseason.
There is no doubt how valuable he is to this team. Many wanted him to go during the trade deadline but I love a player like KCP. He gives you his all even when he may not be at his best.
He is also always hustling up and down the floor and if he’s in a groove, he can be deadly from three-point or shooting a long jumper. KCP also finishes the fast break well. He can go to the basket and is not afraid to penetrate and is also very good at moving the ball around the key.
Alex Caruso: B+
Caruso scored 6.4 points per game which was the second-highest of his career and had a career-high of 2.9 rebounds per game while averaging 2.8 assists. He did shoot a career-low of 64% from the foul line.
Overall, Caruso gets in the game and always finds a way to contribute. He is a Laker favorite among fans and he always plays with heart and hustles. Look, I don’t care what anyone says, when it comes down to it, I want Caruso in the game.
He always makes this team better and always finds a way to put something positive out there. Caruso is a great ball-handler and passer. He helps the offense to move whether it is on the fast break or moving the ball around the key.
Caruso is by far one of the most unselfish players in the NBA. He is also one of the most underrated players in the NBA as well. One day, when his playing career is over, he will be known as one of the most important pieces to the Lakers dynasty.