For the Los Angeles Lakers, Alex Caruso and Frank Vogel are a match made in heaven. Both are very underrated in their respective role. They are some of the best defensive minds in the NBA. Lately, Caruso’s chops have been much-needed as the Lakers walk wounded going into a potential play-in game.
Over the last four games, he’s had his best scoring stretch of 13.5 points on 46 percent shooting from long range. They finished 2-2 against four potential playoff opponents. Considering their aforementioned injury luck that’s very solid. Caruso has had the assignments of Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, and Paul George over that stretch as well. He’s done what has been asked of him on each all-star.
Coach Vogel sang his praises after their victory against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, as covered by Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com:
Frank Vogel: "Alex Caruso has stepped up big time these last two games. … He has to be considered for All-Defensive Team."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) May 10, 2021
That’s a hell of a campaign on behalf of Caruso. His rise from a G-League fixture to an NBA champion remains inspiring. He’s legitimately the driving force behind one of the best defenses that the league has seen. Momentum has to remain a real thing for Caruso. The challenges against their defense will not get easier. Luckily for the Lakers, they have a guy built for this followed by an identical pack of deterrents. Let’s hope the All-Defensive voters feel the same way when the time comes.
