Look up the phrase "perfect role player" in the basketball dictionary and Alex Caruso's photo should be attached as an example. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers temporarily lost access to that dictionary when they made the decision to move on from AC in the summer of 2021.
Caruso walked for nothing, and left the Lakers with endless regret about how they managed the situation and who they chose to keep over their 2020 champion. Since then, the former Laker became a two-time champ with the Oklahoma City Thunder, serving as an ideal support piece.
It is for that reason that ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Caruso's future is safe with the Thunder, despite some of the painful financial decisions headed in their direction this summer. In fact, Oklahoma City even views Caruso as much more than just a role player.
"Caruso, entering the second season of a four-year, $81 million extension, is considered a firm member of the long-term core, league sources said, proving again his extreme playoff value the past month in the locker room and on the court."
Alex Caruso will not be a financial casualty in Oklahoma City
With Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams due to have their extensions kick in during the offseason, the Thunder will be forced to make some tough choices on the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, etc. Caruso will not be in that group.
It is a crying shame, because the Lakers would love to buy a ticket to the Carushow once more.
Caruso was a perfect fit around the Lakers stars in 2021 when they let him go. He would still fall in that category for a Luka Doncic-led team in Los Angeles. A reunion would not only fix a past mistake, but it would set up the immediate future in Hollywood.
The 3-and-D archetype is the most valuable among role players in the NBA. Caruso only hitting 29.3 of his attempts from deep during the regular season briefly signaled he may be falling off in one of those departments. Shooting 44.6 from beyond the arc in the postseason quickly erased those worries.
Caruso is still as potent as any player in his role. Even at 32 years old, his game holds up.
Shooting and defense will both be highly sought by the Lakers over the next few months as they aim to retool around Doncic. Unfortunately for them, targeting Caruso would get them nowhere. If MacMahon is right, OKC sees what LA could not in 2021.
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