‘Swiss Army Knife’: LeBron James Praises Alex Caruso Even As Lakers Lose to the Mighty Sixers

Published 01/27/2021, 11:50 PM EST

The Los Angeles Lakers’ undefeated on-road streak finally ended with a last-second loss against the Philadelphia Sixers. They lost 106-107 in a game where they never seemed ahead of their opponents but heeled their tail.

This was not a very painful defeat for the Lakers because they had a lot many positives to take away from the game. On the other hand, the 76ers can thump their chest and roar after this brave win against a loaded team.

LeBron James putting respect on the name of his teammate

Article continues below this ad

The Akron Hammer had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first half itself. However, he slowed down in the second half and added only 12 points to the tally.

The same was true for Anthony Davis who scored just 9 points in the second half and 23 in total. It was the Lakers’ bench that took control after halftime.

In the post-game conference, LeBron James ensured he praises the effort by the bench. He specifically addressed Alex Caruso’s contribution and expressed, “AC is whatever we need. He’s a Swiss Army knife, to be honest … he can do it all, he just helps our ballclub in so many ways.”

LeBron on Caruso: "AC is whatever we need. He’s a Swiss Army knife, to be honest … he can do it all, he just helps our ballclub in so many ways.”
Vogel has talked about the
"good problem” of having a deep/talented bench. But, imagine Caruso's minutes will >>> when it matters.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 28, 2021

The 26-YO Bald Mamba registered 10 points, 1 board, 2 assists, and a steal (+/- 8) in just 16 minutes of play. In this season, he has averaged under 18 minutes every game and this can potentially see an increase after one such efficient performance.

How the Lakers let the victory slip from their hands

Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson enjoyed the game so much that he announced it won’t surprise him to find these two teams in the NBA Finals.

That was the most exciting NBA game this season! Tobias Harris hit the game winning shot for the Sixers and finished with 24 points. MVP candidate Embiid had 28. I wouldn’t be surprised if these two teams were in the NBA Finals!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 28, 2021

Article continues below this ad

The match was actually very interesting until the last moment. Guard Dennis Schroder went scoreless in the first half but dominated in the next.

In the clutch moments, the Lakers bounced back from a 86-100 score to take a 106-105 lead after some great shots from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Caruso, and Schroder.

Article continues below this ad

However, with just 3 seconds remaining in the game, Sixers’ Tobias Harris converted a pullup jump shot on Seth Curry’s assist and helped the Sixers take the winning lead. Lakers’ Anthony Davis tried a buzzer-beater three but failed to get it in and that’s how the Lakers finally lost an away game.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.

‘Swiss Army Knife’: LeBron James Praises Alex Caruso Even As Lakers Lose to the Mighty Sixers

LeBron James putting respect on the name of his teammate

Trending

Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

Marcus Takes Eyes Away From GF Larsa Pippen to Acknowledge Father Michael Jordan’s Talladega Victory

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

How the Lakers let the victory slip from their hands