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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking each role player by importance

By Jason Reed

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

7. Alex Caruso

Another point guard comes in on the list as Alex Caruso is our seventh-most important role player on the Los Angeles Lakers. Caruso has become a bit of a fan-favorite because of his solid play at the end of last season as well as the fact that he looks like any normal pick-up hooper that you would see at your local 24 Hour Fitness.

Quite frankly, we almost put Caruso higher on this list because of his popularity with the fanbase but we had to see past that and put him seventh. Like Cook, though, Caruso has the potential to shoot way up these rankings.

Also like Cook, Caruso is a good point guard to put alongside LeBron James as he does not need the ball to be successful. He is not a coveted three-point shooter like Cook but he has made strides in his shooting and actually shot 48 percent from three last season, albeit in 50 attempts.

Caruso is more important than Cook because of his defense. Caruso was one of the best defensive guards in the G league and can certainly be an above-average defender at the point guard level. At six-foot-five, he also can defend shooting guards as well, if needed.

Caruso could find himself getting a decent chunk of minutes if his defense is as impactful as it could be. However, with such a small NBA sample size, we cannot justify putting him higher solely on potential.

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