Alex Caruso is one of the most well-liked players on the Los Angeles Lakers. His competitive nature, surprising athleticism, and fun-loving chops have also made him a fan favorite as a relatable NBA player.

Yet the constant memes, viral moments, and constant star-like attention the Lakers star was getting felt unmerited at one point.

Via Christian Rivas of SB Nation's Silver Screen and Roll:

“Yeah for sure. I mean there was moments — not as much in the beginning,” said Caruso in an episode of The Official Lakers Podcast. “And when I say the beginning, I mean the beginning of the season, because that’s when it really picked up and people were trying to label me as that, and like really hyped it up. I was really just excited to finally play and be a part of an NBA roster, and contribute to a team for 82 games. And all that’s going on, and obviously anybody that knows me, y’all know I’m pretty low-key, low-maintenance, like that stuff doesn’t really bother me.”

Caruso has gone from likable outsider to a cult phenom, with even his own Lakers teammate LeBron James calling him “The GOAT” on various instances:

“But yeah, it did get to a point to where I was just sitting back and literally anything I did, somebody would tweet about it, or somebody was reporting on it, and at a certain point I was just like, ‘this is just like borderline annoying.’ It was to the point where it’s like, let’s just focus on basketball, and we’re having so much success on the court that I would love for it to be more about that than me doing a random play in a game.”

No one is dropping salt on Caruso's flaming success. That includes head coach Frank Vogel, who called him his “secret weapon” as recently as last month.

It's likely the young guard wants to earn his place in this league and be recognized for his feats rather than because of how he looks or how relatable he is to fans. That may come with time if he keeps making the right strides.