Teams Reportedly Asking Lakers if Alex Caruso is Available

Sometimes, you have to read a news headline or late-breaking tweet a couple times over before it has a chance to sink in fully. The human brain is like that some times. Such was the case Wednesday afternoon when Yahoo's Chris Haynes fired off this curioius riff regarding a certain fan favorite out in Los Angeles, Mr. Alex Caruso.

Yes, according to Haynes, more than one NBA team actually called Rob Pelinka to ask if the guard was available ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. This is a real thing that is happening, though there's no indication out there that LA would be keen to let him go.

A recipient of a stupid and irresponsible number of All-Star votes from fans, Caruso averages 18.4 minutes and 5.5 points for the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers. He's not a particular liability on defense and shoots around the league average from three-point range. It's not clear why a team in need of backup guard help would specifically seek out a guy like Caruso.

And yet, here we are. Perhaps the man's bizarre and mysterious hairline has hypnotic powers. Whatever the reason, keep an eye on No. 4 right up to the bitter end Thursday afternoon.