Alex Caruso's meteoric rise, thanks in large part to Los Angeles Lakers fans, has even yielded thoughts of entering the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest over All-Star Weekend in Chicago next month.
Caruso, however, does not want to compete in the high-flying affair. In an interview with Marc Stein of the New York Times, Caruso revealed that he is not built for the contest and has no plan to join if ever it comes up.
“I don’t think so,” Caruso said. “That’s like a different breed of dunker. I’m a good in-game dunker — fast breaks, tip dunks, stuff like that. But I don’t have the off-the-bounce, between-the-legs dunks.
“My goal is to win. I’m pretty much an all-business guy.”
Caruso has impressed Lakers fans and observers with impressive hops despite his surface-level geeky appearance and 6-foot-5 stature.
The L.A. guard, in his third professional season, has also landed on the fan vote for the All-Star Game in February, with early returns showing Caruso's name landing smack in the middle of big-time names like Houston Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook and Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell.
The Lakers, however, will more than likely have two All-Stars in forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis representing the Purple and Gold in the February festivities. James has routinely led the Western Conference's frontcourt in fan votes (which represent half of the tally) while Davis is not too far behind.
Despite Alex Caruso opting out of appearing in the dunk contest — Lakers center Dwight Howard is making his comeback, though — the guard could still participate in events like the skills challenge and 3-point contest.
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