Alex Caruso is widely expected to see a significant increase in his role for the Los Angeles Lakers, with both Rajon Rondo (hand injury) and Avery Bradley (opted out) missing in action for the squad.
Caruso addressed this recent development and opened up about what he believes he can bring to the table.
“You know, I think it’s going to be a lot of the same,” Caruso told Anthony Slater of The Athletic, when asked about how he thinks he compares to Rondo. “I don’t have the same natural ability that Rondo does to be able to throw some crazy passes and have his IQ for the game. But I think me being able to run the show and get guys shots might open up opportunities for (Kyle) Kuzma to handle a little more, be the ballhandler in pick-and-roll with Dwight. That’s been successful for us this year.”
Caruso also noted that the arrival of newcomers JR Smith and Dion Waiters should help fill the void left by the absence of both Rondo and Bradley. Then again, it is also worth noting that Smith and Waiters were signed by the Lakers just recently, and both guys will need some time to get accustomed to their new teammates on the court.
What is clear is that it's still Caruso who has the most to gain with LA's current predicament. The 26-year-old point guard averaged 17.8 minutes off the bench prior to the hiatus, putting up 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals during that span. Caruso is by no means a stat-sheet stuffer, but with the added minutes, he should certainly be able to provide a more substantial contribution for the championship-seeking Lakers.
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