Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso made the headlines for the wrong reasons on Tuesday after he was arrested by Texas A&M University Police for possession of under two ounces of marijuana and also of drug paraphernalia. According to the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, Caruso was also released later that day on cash bonds amounting to a total of $3,552.
So who is Alex Caruso, the Lakers star who's having a tumultuous offseason at the moment. Let's take an in-depth look at the former Texas A&M star who rose through the ranks and became an unlikely NBA champion.
Who is Alex Caruso?
Caruso made a name for himself at Texas A&M, playing a total of 137 games during his four-year career there. He averaged 8.0 points and 3.7 rebounds during that span and finished as the Aggies' all-time leader in assists (649) and in steals (276). He started all 37 games in his senior year, averaging 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.1 steals as he was named in the 2016 All-SEC second team (Coaches) and 2016 SEC All-Defensive Team.
Caruso went undrafted, though, out of Texas A&M, and worked his way up through the G League and Summer League. He bounced around these leagues, playing for the Sixers and Lakers' Summer League teams and suiting up for the South Bay Lakers and Oklahoma City Blue in the G League before signing full time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 season.
He played a crucial part in the Lakers' championship run that season, getting his first ever start in the title-clinching win against the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Caruso posted a team high +/- of +20 in that victory, finishing with four points, three rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Caruso further solidified his standing in the Lakers lineup the following season, averaging 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals through 58 games in the 2020-21 campaign. He has proven to be a great addition to the Lakers squad with his defensive intensity and great chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, a huge help for head coach Frank Vogel.
Related Article: LA Lakers' Alex Caruso Posts Bail Following Arrest for Marijuana
Will this case affect Caruso's brand?
It will be interesting to see how this case will affect not only Caruso's impending free agency but also his endorsements. Caruso just signed a multi-year sneaker deal with Chinese shoe company Anta this year, joining NBA stars Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward and Kevon Looney on the brand.
The 27-year-old also will be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on August 2 as the two-year, $5.5 million contract that Caruso signed in the 2019-20 season is set to expire. Caruso said during exit interviews that he's not ruling out a potential return to the Lakers as the chance to play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and compete for championships with these two All-Stars is a big factor in his decision-making. The question now is: Will the Lakers want him back?
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