The Los Angeles Lakers continue to face the brutal consequences of letting Alex Caruso go to the Chicago Bulls on a four-year, $37 million deal in 2021. The two-time NBA champion and All-Defense honoree has become the epitome of what every team needs in terms of high-level role players who play above their talent level.
Following Game 3 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers were handed yet another agonizing reminder of the fierce competitiveness and elite defensive acumen they gave up on.
Bill Oram of The Athletic reported in 2021 that Caruso's agent went back to the Lakers to ask if they'd be willing to match the four-year, $37 million contract that the Bulls had offered. Unfortunately, Los Angeles refused to do so. Caruso, now a member of the Thunder, has consistently made the purple and gold regret that decision.
Following the Thunder's Game 3 win over the Spurs, Caruso justifiably patted himself on the back with praise that reminded the Lakers of what they'd lost, calling himself "one of the great competitors in this league."
Alex Caruso:
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) April 23, 2025
“This time of year, with the attention to detail, the level of competition, I feel like I'm one of the great competitors in this league. Might not be in the top half or quarter talent-wise… but as far as competing, putting it all out there… I'm in the elite group” pic.twitter.com/6bhVGyVxRi
For a Lakers team that's in dire need of defensive-minded wings who can raise their game in the playoffs, Caruso's comments are the epitome of throwing salt in the wound.
Alex Caruso: "I'm one of the great competitors in this league"
Caruso has played a direct role in saving the Thunder from the disaster of falling behind 1-0 to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. He scored 31 points in Game 1 and showed right back up in Game 2 with 17 points and five assists in a 122-113 win.
In Game 3, Caruso scored 15 points in 24 minutes as the Thunder prevailed 123-108 and reclaimed home court advantage with a 2-1 series lead.
These are the plays that define why Alex Caruso is a two time champion.
— Mike Jagacki (@Mike_Jagacki) May 23, 2026
Assigned to Castle, able to peel switch onto Wemby, jam him out of position, then first to recognize and get all over a 50/50 opportunity. I mean, how many players pic.twitter.com/rOJtaMSenn
It's par for the course with Caruso, who always seems to be exactly where his team needs him in the postseason. That was even true in 2020, when he appeared in all 21 of the Lakers' playoff games and played lockdown defense across 24.3 minutes per game.
Caruso even shot 37.5 percent from beyond the arc during the 2020 NBA Finals while playing invaluable defense against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Lakers are conveniently looking for 3-and-D wings to complement Luka Doncic. Caruso, meanwhile, is competing for what would be a third career championship after adding a second title to his collection just one season ago.
Every team makes mistakes, but the Lakers for refusing to match a team-friendly contract for a player they developed will always sting. Caruso is exactly what they need right now.
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