The One Player Every NBA Team Needs to Step Up in Orlando

The One Player Every NBA Team Needs to Step Up in Orlandohttps://t.co/8CnMSnmlOh via @BleacherReport

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 23, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers: Alex Caruso

Somehow, at age 35, LeBron James remains the fulcrum upon which a title contender rests. When he is on the floor, the Los Angeles Lakers boast the third-best offense in the NBA by net rating, and when he sits, they’re above only the Warriors in offensive rating.

James has played nearly 35 minutes a night this year, and he’ll play even more in the playoffs. But between that worrying net rating swing and Avery Bradley’s absence from the bubble, Los Angeles needs another guard willing and able to give quality minutes.

Though his reputation has been inflated by overeager Lakers fans, Alex Caruso has emerged as a genuine NBA contributor this year. The so-called Bald Mamba has proved especially valuable on the defensive end, ranking sixth among shooting guards in ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus-Minus, but he can knock down a shot when necessary and takes care of the basketball, recording 2.2 assists per turnover.

If Caruso becomes an integral part of Los Angeles’ championship hopes this summer, it’s time to worry. But if he runs a serviceable second-unit offense while continuing to grind on defense, expect the Lakers’ title train to continue running on schedule.