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NBA Free Agency: Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Did Not Show Any Fight to Retain Alex Caruso
The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have made a special bond with being the big news. First, a blockbuster trade that got them 9 time All-Star, Russell Westbrook. Moreover, reports are also coming up that many renowned players are willing to sign a minimum deal just to join them!
However, this time they made the news for a bad reason. Recently, Laker boy, Alex Caruso agreed to a 4 years $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. Now, looking at his impact on the team and LA, the Lakers must have put up a fight. Well, did they?
Lakers show no fight for Alex Caruso
When matters came to the fan favourite player, LA decided not to counter the offer from the Chicago Bulls. According to The Athletic, Caruso’s camp came back to them when the Bulls made their move. But, to everyone’s surprise, the purple and gold said that there would be no counter offer for Caruso.
Feb 16, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
This is really surprising, given the Lakers don’t have a lot salary room on offer, and just a few minimum slots. Having the rights to Caruso meant that they could decide to pay him whatever they want. However, they decided to send the ‘Caru-Show’ to Chicago instead.
Moreover, Caruso is only 27 years old and a major role player for them. He averaged 20 minutes per game. In addition, he developed into a great perimeter defender for the Lakers. He is athletic, a great defender and sure knows how to get the crowd going.
Jan 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan (10) hangar in the air under the basket as Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) defends during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. At lest is Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Now, all there is left is to wish Caruso all the luck as he starts his new journey in the ‘Windy City’.
Why is Caruso so popular?
The ‘Bald Eagle’ became a fan favourite after his plat against the Golden State Warriors. After a missed shot, Alex ran all the way from the left corner and finished a put-back dunk over Kevin Durant. No one knew that Caruso had that kind of bounce and the bench’s reaction, especially Bron skyrocketed his popularity.
He comes in with high energy and puts his heart out on the court. As a role player, he averaged 6 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. However, his journey was not all that smooth. Caruso jumped from Summer league to G-league as he went undrafted.
After that, the Lakers got convinced into signing him and he impressed right away. With his high intensity and stellar defence, he was promoted to the starting lineup in 2019. Now, he is a NBA champion, and is sure to be a fan favourite wherever he goes.
Feb 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Alex Caruso (4) celebrate in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Do you think the Lakers made a mistake giving up on Alex Caruso? Let us know in the comments below.
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