Alex Caruso Believes He Can Step Up As Secondary Playmaker Behind Lebron James for Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers will head into the seeding games without their two primary point guards. Avery Bradley opted out due to family reasons and Rajon Rondo injured himself a few days after entering the bubble. This left Alex Caruso as the only point guard left on the roster.

After missing the first game and fouling out in the second, Caruso finally played a full game. In the third scrimmage against the Washington Wizards, Caruso played 24 minutes and put up 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. He had a great all-round game as he shot 3/4 from outside the arc and got three steals as well. With LeBron James sitting out, he took over as the primary ball-handler and playmaker.

In the post-game interview, he talked about stepping up in Rondo’s absence and playing as the point guard. “I’m comfortable playing point guard. I’ve played point guard since sophomore year in high school and this team is one of the first times I’ve played little more off the ball. Obviously, with Rondo out, I’m going to carry a little bit more of load playing point guard with the second unit.”

Los Angeles Lakers need Caruso to step up

This means that LeBron will continue as the primary playmaker for the first unit, with Caruso playing off the ball. And then, Caruso will play as the primary playmaker in the second unit, with either Dion Waiters or JR Smith playing off-ball.

While talking about his role in the team, Caruso said he’s always willing to help in any way. “My role game by game is different. Depending on matchups, depending on how we’re playing, how other teams defend. I’m asked to do different things and asked to guard different people and play different minutes. I’ve been practicing for this role the whole year.”

Throughout the year, he received experience playing both roles of a guard. “Rondo’s been out at times, I’ve played a little more point. Other guards have been playing and I’ve played little less. I played off the ball so there’s nothing that I think I’m not prepared for. That might be naive confidence of myself, but as a basketball player if you’re playing at the highest level that’s the kind of mindset you have to have.”

As the playoff games approach, Caruso will have to step up for the second unit. Bradley and Rondo are huge losses for the team, but if Caruso can be at his best, that blow will not seem too hard. The Lakers are now scheduled to start their seeding games campaign against rivals LA Clippers. They face off on July 30 and will be hoping to start their new campaign with a win.

Sources:

Alex Caruso Talks About His Performance, Postgame Interview | Wizards vs Lakers | July 27, 2020

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