The Los Angeles Lakers will have a shot to bring back Alex Caruso in the offseason after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 1 domination over the Phoenix Suns proved he’s a luxury. They only needed 13 minutes from the 6’5 guard. Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell are ready for more run, and Thunder will jump over the second apron this summer as the Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams extensions kick in. OKC will be looking to shed salary, and Caruso could be readily available.
The Lakers gave the undrafted guard his first NBA chance. Caruso grew into a key rotation player, including averaging 24 minutes per game in the playoffs during the 2020 championship run. Los Angeles foolishly kept Talen Horton-Tucker over Caruso in the 2021 offseason. The 6’5 guard joined the Bulls in free agency and was traded to the Thunder in 2024.
Caruso admitted that he still thought about what could have been with the Lakers years later. He formed a special connection with LeBron James. The Lakers need 3-and-D players around Luka Doncic. They will have cap space this summer and could be the team to take on the three years and $63 million left on his contract.
Thunder’s domination proves Alex Caruso could be moved this summer
Sam Presti has built the deepest team in the NBA, but he needs to shed payroll. They are projected to be $28.5 million over the second apron. OKC is keeping the three stars to chase more titles. To dodge the roster-building restrictions, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, or Alex Caruso figures to be on the chopping block. I-Hart and Dort are starters playing massive minutes. Caruso is the oldest player with the smallest role, which makes him the obvious trade candidate.
Caruso had two points, five rebounds, and one assist in 13 minutes on Sunday afternoon. OKC won his playing time by 14 points. They dominated the contest and truly didn’t need Caruso. He played the ninth-most minutes for the Thunder in Game 1.
The 32-year-old played a crucial role in the Thunder’s championship run last season. He will make an impact throughout the playoffs, but OKC has others ready to step up. Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace want more. Jared McCain has shown flashes. The Thunder will immediately replace Caruso and be in the thick of contention.
The Lakers need that vocal leader and tough defender, especially if Marcus Smart declines his player option and leaves for more dollars elsewhere. Alex Caruso is the perfect replacement. He has already proven to fit in Los Angeles and would instantly help the Lakers contend. That is the goal of the offseason. Trading for Caruso won’t be cheap, but it could be the perfect move if Rob Pelinka can find a difference-making center elsewhere.
The Oklahoma City Thunder love Alex Caruso, but they clearly don’t need him. That should excite Los Angeles Lakers fans. They have cap space and are eager to improve their roster. Caruso is the ideal role player, and a reunion can’t be ruled out. All fans can do is stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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