The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that hasn’t stopped Alex Caruso from continuing to terrorize his former team. He played a crucial role in the Game 2 win over the Spurs to even the Western Conference Finals. In the process, he showed LA the value of winning role players with versatile skill sets.
Caruso had 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 25 minutes of action on Wednesday night. He had five of his seven field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers, and was four of four from the foul line. The Thunder won his minutes by 18 points. This was all after Caruso dropped 30 in Game 1, and his immediate impact was the only reason OKC was in the contest. He has nailed shots, guarded Victor Wembanyama, and even made plays. Whatever the defending champs need, Caruso delivers it.
Rob Pelinka has forgotten about finding winning role players. Two-way options capable of guarding multiple positions and sinking clutch shots. Caruso was part of the 2020 title in LA. He won the championship last year with OKC. He always steps up in crucial moments and knows how to get victories. The Lakers desperately need those players around Luka Doncic.
Alex Caruso shows Lakers just how valuable role players can be
Los Angeles won the title in 2020 with several key role players. Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Rajon Rondo flanked LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Each knew their role and thrived in it.
Just one year later, Pelinka traded for Russell Westbrook. In that move, he abandoned the key role players model to try to build a Big 3. In the five years since, the Lakers have added way too many pieces with one elite skill. They are no longer focused on finding Caruso-types, and that is a problem.
The Thunder are well on their way to proving the importance of depth and versatility for the second straight year. Every player on the defending champs can dribble, pass, shoot, and defend. That versatility gives them options and has helped them go 9-1 to start the 2026 playoffs.
Rob Pelinka should be taking notes. The Lakers have the most difficult piece to acquire in Luka Doncic. He is one of the top five players in the world and has plenty of say on what is happening in Los Angeles. The superstar must convince the front office to find players like Caruso. Options that will nail every big shot and compete on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers would love to have Alex Caruso back, but Oklahoma City has zero reason to give him up. The 6’5 wing keeps winning them massive games. The Thunder couldn’t go down 2-0, losing both games at home to the Spurs. Caruso stepped up with a gigantic performance off the bench to even things up. Just like Lakers fans knew he would.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to learn from Alex Caruso. They need players like him around Luka Doncic if they want to be serious title contenders in 2027 and beyond. Versatile options capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. They still regret letting Caruso get away. Now, the Lakers must find the next version to put around Luka. It is easier said than done.
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