Los Angeles Lakers: 4 impending free agents likeliest to return next season
By Dalton Sell
Alex Caruso will likely stay with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency
Known for his immeasurable hustle and fiery presence, Alex Caruso quickly carved out his status as a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers. Set to hit unrestricted free agency after playing a key rotational role for Los Angeles over the past several seasons, it seems clear that he wants to stay put.
The most significant factor in his decision appears to be playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with whom he won the 2020 NBA Championship. Winning appears to be a top priority for the guard, and sticking around in Los Angeles to chase more titles with these two seems to be an option he is heavily considering. Transcribed by SB Nation’s Harrison Faigen:
"“Anytime you play with those two, you have a realistic chance to win a championship. I know a lot of people around the league think they do,” Caruso said. “But it’s a realistic, attainable goal with those two guys on your team, so that’s always in the back of your mind.”"
The interest will undoubtedly be mutual as the Lakers would like to keep one of their key rotational pieces from the past two seasons. Caruso might not stuff the stat sheet statistically, and he is certainly not going to form a lethal trio next to James and Davis, but he is the epitome of what a role player should be in today’s NBA. Keeping the 27-year-old will likely not break the bank for the Lakers and the two seemed destined to stay together.