Lakers News: Mason Jones Hopes To Replicate Path Of Alex Caruso
Mason Jones, Lakers
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mason Jones is one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ two-way contract players, signing with the team back in December and spending the vast majority of his time with the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

In the G-League, Jones dominated this season, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 50.8% from the floor and 40.6% from 3-point range.

Once the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention, Jones got an opportunity to get some time with the parent team in the last two games. Jones was solid in both outings and showed flashes of potentially being a contributor in the future. In fact, it is somewhat of a similar path taken by former Lakers guard Alex Caruso.

Like Jones, Caruso started on a two-way contract and was excellent in the G-League before ultimately getting an opportunity with the main squad and the rest is history as he would go on to play a huge role in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship run. Jones sees the similarities as well and hopes to replicate that same path.

“It’s big because it’s crazy, I feel like me and Alex Caruso are going down the same path,” Jones said in his exit interview. “He was one of the best players in the G League before the year he got that experience with the parent [team] and the growth that he had in the G League really helped him with the Lakers and now with the Bulls.”

“You could see that growth that he had and it was going back to the G League. He always talks about it, he knows that the experience there is crazy because you have all the time in the world to get better, you always have the chance to play every game and continue to work on your craft. So just having that experience is really big.”

Caruso is a best-case scenario without a doubt and all two-way players can’t be expected to have an impact on that level. But it is good to see someone like Jones wanting to replicate that because Caruso thrived by embracing the dirty work role and Jones could potentially do the same.

As a two-way player, Jones will likely be on the Lakers’ Summer League team so making an impact there will be a good start to going down the road paved by Caruso.

Jones named to All-NBA G League First Team

Jones’ time in the G-League was so good that he picked up a major honor this season. While with the South Bay Laker’s Jones was named to the All-NBA G-League First Team thanks to his outstanding play.

Additionally, the Lakers’ other two-way player, Mac McClung, was named G-League Rookie of the Year while also making the All-Rookie Team.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Malik Monk Focused On Trying To Find ‘Easy Buckets’

Malik Monk proved he remains one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most dangerous weapons on the offensive end, putting on another fine…

Lakers News: Pau Gasol Out Six Weeks With Foot Injury

Last night in the Lakers’ victory over the Brooklyn Nets, forward Pau…

Lakers News: Wayne Ellington Believes He Can Fill 3-And-D Role

One of the more underrated signings the Los Angeles Lakers made in free agency was bringing back sharpshooter Wayne Ellington…

Kevin Durant Admits Why The Lakers Didn’t Interest Him In Free Agency

With Kobe Bryant heading into retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to find another superstar in NBA free agency this summer to help fill the void…