1. Alex Caruso
Caruso was an outstanding undrafted find by the Lakers. He started his NBA career in Los Angeles in 2017 and played a crucial bench role in their 2020 title team. The 6’5 guard is an elite defender who sinks open shots and makes a few plays. He is exactly the type of player that every contender wants coming off their bench.
The Bulls are rumored to be deadline sellers. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan dominate the headlines, but Caruso may be the biggest difference-maker in the title race. He can only handle 25 minutes per game, but the 29-year-old will make a massive impact in his run.
He formed an elite duo with LeBron James during his stint in Hollywood, and the Lakers would love to bring him back before the deadline.
Verdict: The Los Angeles Lakers should try to bring back Alex Caruso to round out their bench. Chicago reportedly has little interest in trading the 6’5 wing, but that could change if they find takers for LaVine and DeRozan. The Bulls would be on the verge of a total rebuild and would have zero need for a 29-year-old wing eager to join a contender.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be active and aggressive before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. LeBron James is 39 years old and cannot remain elite forever. Rob Pelinka and the front office should be all-in on winning another title, so stay tuned to see what they can pull off.