Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso apparently has been bothered by a calf issue in their recent games, according to head coach Frank Vogel.
Caruso was forced to leave the Lakers' game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday for what the team called a right calf tightness. The 25-year-old fan-favorite played in only four minutes in the first half and did not return, ending the night scoreless.
After the contest, Vogel told reporters that Caruso has been experiencing the issue for some time now and they have been monitoring it. He also revealed that he was informed of Caruso's status for the game after the third quarter.
Frank Vogel said Alex Caruso has been fighting some tightness in his calf of late, and they’d been monitoring it. The training staff told Vogel after the 3rd Q that he wouldn’t be returning.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 2, 2020
Alex Caruso has been pivotal for the Lakers this season, especially on the defensive end. Moreover, while his scoring doesn't stand out, he has already proven that he can be a spark plug off the bench when necessary. Entering Wednesday's game, he is averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assist and 1.1 steal per game
Fortunately for Caruso, the Lakers did not really need his services against the Suns after coming out with a 117-107 victory. The team ended the first half ahead by 33 points, which probably pushed the team to rule out Caruso for the rest of the game instead of aggravating his injury.
Los Angeles led by as much as 36 points in the showdown, with LeBron James leading the way with a triple-double of 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists — all team highs. Moreover, Anthony Davis was his usual dominant self and finished with 26 markers, 11 boards and two dimes.
Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr. combined for 58 points for the Suns, but their efforts were not enough after going down to a 43-17 hole in the opening quarter. If there's any consolation for them, Deandre Ayton appears to be back to his old self with a 16-point, 14-rebound outing.
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