The Los Angeles Lakers are still attempting to fill the void left behind by the disappointing decision to let Alex Caruso walk in free agency. Five years later, Lakers summer league standout Chris Mañon is hoping to recreate the very path that Caruso traveled and play a role that ultimately proves eerily similar to the one the former fan favorite took on himself.
Mañon is showing out for the Lakers at summer league in 2026, and when asked who he's patterning his game after, he gave the perfect response: Caruso.
Mañon, 24, spent his rookie season with the Lakers in 2025-26, primarily appearing for the team's G League affiliate. Caruso famously began his career in a similar manner, showcasing his abilities in the G League before ultimately helping Los Angeles win the 2020 NBA championship.
Mañon appears aware of that fact, as he told reporters that he's looking to follow in the footsteps of a pair of two-time NBA champions: Caruso and Jrue Holiday.
Asked Lakers two-way Chris Mañon what players he compares himself to:
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) July 5, 2026
“Alex Caruso, Jrue Holiday. All these different guys that are pests on the ball and off the ball” pic.twitter.com/YwYoWOGjbd
Whether or not Mañon ultimately lives up to the rather significant standard that Caruso has set for two-way guards, there's ample reason to be excited by a player who aspires to do so.
Chris Mañon cites Alex Caruso as a player he compares himself to
Caruso played four fruitful years for the Lakers, finally becoming a full-time member of the rotation in 2019-20. He averaged 18.4 minutes per game during the 2019-20 regular season and saw his playing time jump to 24.3 minutes per contest during the playoffs.
Caruso emerged as a lockdown defender who ultimately proved essential to the Lakers' run to their first and only championship since 2010.
Caruso continued to feature prominently in 2020-21, but the Lakers unfortunately refused to re-sign him. As Caruso himself has said, he asked Los Angeles to match the four-year, $37 million contract offer he received from the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, the Lakers declined.
To make matters worse: Caruso also said he went back to Los Angeles with a lower figure than the one he was offered and asked them if they'd match, but Rob Pelinka and company again said no.
Ever since, the Lakers have been unsuccessful in their attempts to find a 3-and-D guard or wing who can consistently take on the challenge of defending an opponent's best player. Thankfully, Mañon is not only showing out at Summer League, but making it clear that he understands the importance of a player like Caruso.
If Mañon can fix his jump shot, then the Lakers may just be able to finally find a replacement for the one they let get away.
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