- Report: Lakers looking to upgrade from Patrick Beverley
- Phil Handy seemingly compares Rui Hachimura to Kawhi Leonard: ‘Reminds me of this guy I coached in Toronto’
- Report: Dennis Schroder stopped by police in Hollywood after leaving Lakers game
- Report: Lakers, Clippers, Jazz, Pistons and Hornets interested in Caris LeVert
- Chandler Parsons on LeBron James: ‘If they were winning more, he’s my MVP’
- Report: Lakers update injury statuses for Anthony Davis, Lonnie Walker and LeBron James vs. Spurs
- Report: Lakers showing interest in Mike Conley and Eric Gordon
- Report: Pistons would need ‘significant value’ to consider moving Lakers target Bojan Bogdanovic within next 2 weeks
- Russell Westbrook snaps on Lakers reporter after being asked if there was a ‘cross-up’ between him and Dennis Schroder
- Rob Pelinka hints that Lakers could make another trade before deadline
Frank Vogel on Alex Caruso: ‘He’s My Secret Weapon’
- Updated: February 13, 2020
To Los Angeles Lakers fans, guard Alex Caruso is a fan favorite who has a huge cult following.
To head coach Frank Vogel, Caruso is something else.
Frank Vogel on Alex Caruso: “Right now, he’s my secret weapon.”
— Lauren A. Jones (@LoJoMedia) February 13, 2020
The Lakers scored a big 120-116 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. It was a big, confidence-building win for the Purple and Gold, as they defeated an elite team on the road in a close, grind-it-out affair.
Caruso was a positive contributor to the victory with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 22 minutes, but his impact can go beyond the numbers.
He has often made an impact on the team with his energy and hustle, particularly on the defensive end and while going after loose balls. His 6-foot-5 frame also gives him versatility on defense, as he can guard a number of opposing backcourt players.
Caruso emerged late last season when a rash of injuries necessitated the team calling him up from the G League. He shot lights out from 3-point range over the last month of the year and was thus rewarded with a two-year, $5.5 million contract in July.
He struggled early this season but has found consistency of late. Coming into the game against the Nuggets, Caruso had been hitting 41.8 percent of his 3-pointers in his previous 32 contests.