Caruso, who had been on a two-way contract the past two seasons and was a restricted free agent, signed a two-year deal worth $5.5 million in early July. The money obviously is something that can’t be overlooked, but there is more to it for Caruso.

He will be with the Lakers for 82 games, rather than going back and forth from the South Bay Lakers of the NBA’s G-League to the parent-team Lakers. He also didn’t have to play in the Las Vegas Summer League for the first time since leaving Texas A&M in 2016 and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“I’ve been assured an opportunity to get minutes, and I think I complement this team very well, but obviously, nothing is given to you,” Caruso said. “It will be a fun test for me to see how I adjust to playing 82 games. I think I will still be going off of adrenaline.”

Caruso could play either guard position but is likely to battle Quinn Cook and veteran Rondo, both of whom also have two-year contracts, at point guard. There also is talk of James running the point under new Laker coach Frank Vogel.

With Davis teaming with James, many prognosticators have the Lakers as the favorites to win the NBA title this season despite not having reached the playoffs since 2013.