Caruso posting career numbers in absence of key players

The Los Angeles Lakers for a majority of the season had hopes of making it to the post-season. The Lakers with LeBron James were a truly formidable team in the Western Conference up until his groin injury on Christmas day.

It was supposed to just be a minor injury, however, James would go on to miss 17 straight games. During that stretch, the Lakers went 6-11 and were pushed out of the playoff conversation. The Lakers would end up sitting James for the last six games of the regular season, and that has allowed other players to show their talents on the court.

SG Alex Caruso who has averaged 9.0 PPG and 2.7 APG on the season has been showing upside and could be a pivotal piece for the Lakers success next season. He has shown range from three, elusiveness in the paint and explosive athleticism.

On Friday Caruso posted his career high against the Clippers in a well needed 122-117 win. Caruso scored 32 points and added five assists on the night.

“At half time I told Lance to tune up the guitar… we were tuned up in the second half making some shots,” said Caruso after his career night.

He also continued his hot streak into their game Sunday against the Utah Jazz as he posted an impressive 18 points and 11 assist double-double.

“For me, I’m just playing with a lot of joy, it’s a fun game. Guys around me are playing hard and it’s real easy to just kind of have fun and go with the flow whenever you’re giving a good effort.”
With the Lakers season already over in terms of postseason play, the numbers from role players such as Caruso and Lance Stephenson have been a silver lining for the Lakers disappointing season.