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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 defensive free agents that help replace Alex Caruso

By Jason Reed

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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala might be old but he can still play good defense and the numbers back it up. Iguodala posted a 1.8 DBPM last season, which compared to Alex Caruso’s 2.3, is pretty good. It definitely puts him in the upper-echelon of defenders and that is valuable for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Granted, the situation is different. Caruso put together those numbers while arguably being the most important defensive player on the Lakers last season (with Anthony Davis missing most of the year). Iguodala benefited from his smaller role and not having to guard the other team’s guard every single night.

That being said, he still has a lot to offer defensively, particularly in the playoffs. He is not going to bring the same hard-nosed defensive every single night as Caruso did for the team last season. He is not going to be sprinting 110% for every loose ball like Caruso would.

But when the games really start to matter in the NBA Playoffs his experience and defensive expertise are going to shine through. Iguodala is someone who the Lakers can trust to put in the lineup at the end of games. That is massive out of a minimum guy.

The Lakers are reportedly competing with the Golden State Warriors to sign Iguodala and Rob Pelinka just has to hope that Iguodala does not take the same route that his signings did.

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That being said, Iguodala is a former client of Rob Pelinka’s, so he has to like his chances.

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