“An Invaluable Part of This Playoff Run”: Lakers’ Coach Frank Vogel Has Special Words of Appreciation for Alex Caruso

We all search for LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the court when the Lakers are playing. Now, we have another player who should have our attention. Making his way from the Lakers’ G League and the South Bay Lakers, Alex Caruso has become an integral cog for the team on each of the floors.

As the Lakers smoothly made their way into the NBA Finals, they are up 2-0 against the Miami Heat. Even though we give credit to the big men in the team, Alex Caruso deserves a lot of it and coach Frank Vogel agrees.

Alex Caruso is more than just an internet favorite

Although the 26-year-old has become an internet sensation, Caruso is more than what’s visible on the surface. Understanding the perfect opportunity to score and tight defense has landed him a pivotal position in Frank Vogel’s rotation. But most importantly, he is a valuable right-hand man for LeBron James when Anthony Davis is getting a breather.

Before Lakers’ Game 2 against Heat, Frank Vogel talked about Caruso’s impact on the Playoffs. He was asked, “How much has Alex Caruso impacted the games in these playoffs?”

Vogel responded, “He’s impacted the games a great deal. He really has the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, which is what we love about Alex. He is the more two-way players we can have around LeBron and Anthony, the better. He’s an elite-level defender. He can guard multiple positions.”

Vogel listed out the skills that make Caruso special. “His ability to contain the basketball but also be one of those guys that’s active in the passing lanes is rare and unique, and obviously the versatility he brings offensively with his ability to shoot the basketball, but also make plays off the bounce makes him invaluable, as well. He’s been an invaluable part of this playoff run, and we’re going to need him to play at a high level if we hope to win the series.” 

Are the Lakers heading towards a clean sweep?

The chances of that happening aren’t bleak. With Heat’s key players suffering from injuries, the Lakers have a tremendous advantage. Anthony Davis is on absolute fire in the finals along with LeBron James. However, we do know that the Heat are not one to give up easily. They still have a strong team, enough to put up a fight.

Will the series end with 4-0? Or will the Heat make an inexplicable comeback?