Alex Caruso will not be suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday due to the league's health and safety protocols. The announcement was made by head coach Frank Vogel ahead of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet broke the news on Twitter ahead of tip-off.
Frank Vogel said that Alex Caruso will not play tonight due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 29, 2020
With just four games in, these last-minute personnel changes are to be expected as the NBA is rolling out strict measures and protocols this season to keep everyone safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laker fans are hoping though that Caruso's case is merely precautionary. Caruso also isn't the only star who will miss Monday's match-up due to health and safety protocols. On Sunday, it was announced that Blazers star Carmelo Anthony didn't make the trip to LA due to the aforementioned reasons.
Last season, Caruso broke out and was one of the most pivotal members of the Lakers' reserve unit. Though his numbers weren't staggering, his on-court presence was huge and the point guard made sure that he impacted the game whenever or however he could.
He brought the “CaruShow” in the Orlando bubble and was key to the Lakers' championship run last season. The G League alum also made his first NBA playoffs start in Game 6 of the NBA Finals where the Lakers eliminated the Miami Heat.
With Rajon Rondo now in Atlanta, Caruso is poised to get bigger minutes as the main back-up PG for the defending champions.
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