Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso was scratched from the team’s first scrimmage against the Dallas Mavericks. A minor back contusion held him out, and the Lakers proceeded to lose 108-104 in their first game in over four months.
The Lakers had solid offensive performances all around — including from JR Smith and Dion Waiters — but could have used Caruso on defense, with Seth Curry shooting the lights out. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has made it clear the team is being extra cautious during the scrimmages and eight seeding games.
With the team’s standing in the Western Conference all but officially decided, there would be no reason to force Caruso to play, even with the most minor of injuries.