Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso understands the risks and disadvantages of joining the NBA restart near Orlando, Florida.
He knows he will stay away from friends and family for a while, and just because he is inside the league bubble doesn’t mean he will be 100% safe from coronavirus. He’s not just letting it affect his attitude.
Speaking with Scott Van Pelt Sports Center On Tuesday evening, Caruso said it was built for these types of player environments.
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“For me, I can’t wait to do it,” said Caruso, “just because I think I thrive in situations like those where you have to become gritty and in a sense you have to endure it, you know, things that are not status quo and not it’s normal. “
Caruso is right because the situation is not normal. At the macro level, the NBA has never attempted anything so ambitious. Nobody knows how it will end or if it will be safe enough to allow the league to end its season and crown a champion.
If the games continue as rescheduled, the Lakers are likely to involve Caruso more heavily than before the NBA was forced to pause on March 11 due to the pandemic.
The Lakers starting point guard, Avery Bradley, has given up on being part of the Orlando team to ensure the health and safety of his family. According to ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, one of Bradley’s children, six-year-old Liam “has a history of difficulty recovering from respiratory diseases and is unlikely to have been authorized to enter the Orlando bubble with his family“.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is reportedly working on the signing of JR Smith, but the deal has not yet been finalized. Although and when he passes, Caruso is the most familiar guard in the Lakers system and already has an average of 17.8 minutes per night in 2019.
With Bradley out, those numbers are sure to increase.
With Caruso averaging 5.4 points, 1.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds, he will certainly have to prove he can handle an expanded role.
But the opportunity is there. Although not in the best of circumstances, the 26-year-old Texas A&M is thrilled with the challenge.
“I can’t wait to do it,” said Caruso. “Obviously, I can’t wait to see the situation, to be hot and humid in Orlando and not to see my family for so long. But, you know, given the challenge, I’m almost ready for this.”
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