for a player who wasn’t even drafted. It meant a lot to me, especially because defense is something I take pride in. It’s nice to be recognized for my efforts on that end of the floor.
NBC Sports Chicago: How did you go about improving your defense throughout your career?
Alex Caruso: I think it’s a combination of things. First and foremost, it’s a willingness to put in the work and the effort. I watch a lot of film and study my opponents to see their tendencies and what they like to do. I’m always trying to stay one step ahead of them. And then it’s just about being in the right positions, communicating with my teammates, and using my athleticism to make plays.
NBC Sports Chicago: Are there any specific players you model your defense after?
Alex Caruso: I really admire guys like Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley. They are relentless on defense and set the tone for their teams. I try to bring that same intensity and mindset every time I step on the court. I also study a lot of film on guys like Chris Paul and Tony Allen, who are both known for their defense.
NBC Sports Chicago: What are your goals for this upcoming season?
Alex Caruso: Personally, I want to continue to improve on both ends of the floor. I want to be a more consistent shooter and playmaker, and continue to make an impact on defense. As a team, our goal is obviously to win a championship. We have a talented group of guys and we believe we can compete with anybody.
NBC Sports Chicago: You mentioned wanting to be more “selfish” this season. Can you elaborate on that?
Alex Caruso: Yeah, what I meant by that is that I want to be more assertive and aggressive on offense. I think there were times last season where I deferred too much and didn’t look for my own shot enough. I want to change that and be more of a scoring threat. But at the same time, I still want to make the right plays and get my teammates involved.
NBC Sports Chicago: How have you been preparing for the upcoming season?
Alex Caruso: I’ve been working hard all summer. I’ve been in the gym every day, working on my shooting, ball handling, and conditioning. I’ve also been working on my strength and trying to add muscle to my frame. I know that in order to compete at this level, I need to continue to improve and get better every day.
NBC Sports Chicago: What do you think is the biggest challenge for the Lakers heading into this season?
Alex Caruso: I think the biggest challenge for us will be staying healthy and managing our workload. Last season, injuries really derailed us and prevented us from reaching our full potential. We have a deep roster, so we need to make sure we’re all on the same page and taking care of ourselves. If we can do that, I think we’ll be in a great position to compete for a championship.
NBC Sports Chicago: What message do you have for Lakers fans heading into this season?
Alex Caruso: I would just say to stay patient and trust the process. We’re working hard every day to get better and bring a championship back to Los Angeles. We have a great group of guys who are committed to each other and to winning. We appreciate all the support and we can’t wait to make you proud this season.
Find Latest NBA News and More at Sportyjones.com!