The Los Angeles Lakers disastrously chose Talen Horton-Tucker over Alex Caruso in 2021, but the Thunder’s spending could open the door to bringing the fan favorite back to Hollywood. THT is completely out of the NBA, and Caruso just won a championship in OKC. The 6'5 guard is still an elite defender and connector who will make shots when it matters most. He is the perfect role player for any contender, but OKC may be forced to let him go.
Caruso is under contract until 2029, but the Thunder are projected to be just under $28 million over the second apron next season as extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren kick in. They have north of $250 million in payroll and won’t want to live over the second apron. Cuts will be coming somewhere. If OKC dumps Caruso and Isaiah Joe, they avoid the apron and the harsh penalties that come with it.
The Lakers will have cap space and are eager to build their roster around Luka Doncic. Getting a stout perimeter defender who’s a plus shooter is a must. Caruso would be the perfect fit, and all the Thunder may want in return is a bit of draft capital and salary relief. It may truly be the perfect opportunity for LA.
Lakers may be able to bring back Alex Caruso in the offseason
The Thunder have difficult choices to make. They will need to move off of Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, or Caruso to get their spending in order. Opposing teams will be eager to pounce on whoever OKC casts off. Hartenstein’s size, rim protection, and connectivity give him the edge in staying. The Lakers will be interested in Dort and Caruso, but fans would love to see the guard who helped LA win the title in 2020 return to the historic franchise.
The purple and gold are locked in on winning down the stretch, and will be for years to come. Luka Doncic is just entering his prime. Austin Reaves is on the same timeline. Those are the Lakers' building blocks. It is about finding the right pieces to maximize their shot at winning it all.
Caruso is the perfect fit. The two-time NBA champion has injury concerns, but his on-court production is elite. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and flat-out helps his team win. The Lakers certainly need stoppers next to Luka and AR. This could be a match made in heaven if everything breaks right this offseason.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to cut their spending this summer, which could open the door for the Los Angeles Lakers to bring back Alex Caruso. Fans have been waiting for half a decade for his return to Hollywood. This is their chance, but it will mean winning the bidding war. The Lakers have the most cap space, which may be just the edge to make it happen. All fans can do is stay tuned to find out.