Surprisingly eliminated in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs by the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of extra free time on their hands. While fans are hoping they use this time to prepare for the following season, they can only wish so much until players inevitably show how they spend their off-season. In particular, Alex Caruso has been a stand-out athlete for Los Angeles ever since he was picked up by the team back in 2017.
The South Bay star was recently arrested for what officials say is due to marijuana possession. Coincidentally, the Texas native was taken away in handcuffs by Texas A&M campus police, where the former university star spent four years playing college ball. Caruso was reportedly attempting to get on a flight at McKinsey Airport, pinpointed on the Texas A&M campus, until about 2 p.m. western time when he was stopped and asked to have his luggage searched. Security would later find a grinder embodying small amounts of marijuana, leading to his unfortunate arrest.
As of this year, this is the first season in NBA history where coaches and staff did not randomly drug test their players or test for use of marijuana in general. However, this does not make the drug legal in all states nor rectifies possession or usage of the plant, unless needed or treated responsibly. Attempting to board a flight with random people and underage children is a perfect example of what not to do.
Despite this situation and averaging just 6.4 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, he has made himself a name in the league with his electrifying dunks and quick hustle on both ends of the floor. He shows no sign of letting up and this so-called ‘setback’ looks to only put more drive into the mindset of the growing athlete.