SUMMARY
- Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso recently spoke about his departure from the team.
- Caruso showcased his value as a crucial bench player, averaging 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during his peak season with the Lakers in 2019-20
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, in a recent interview with Fox Sports’ Melissa Rohlin, shared his thoughts about his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Caruso, who started his NBA career as an undrafted free agent with the Lakers, played a key role in helping the team win the 2020 NBA Championship. Caruso left the Lakers in 2021 by signing a four-year $37 million deal with the Bulls.
Looking back on his past, Caruso admitted that he often wonders “What Could’ve Been” if he had remained with the Lakers. “Yeah, definitely,” Caruso stated. He noted his growth as a player and his chemistry with teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis, referring to them as “my brothers.”
Caruso Added: “I definitely have always thought about it because those guys [LeBron James and Anthony Davis] are my brothers. We’ve been through a lot together. Always good seeing them. Every now and then you think about what could’ve been.”
Alex Caruso still thinks about if he stayed in LA 🌴 pic.twitter.com/oNdke8KPVy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 29, 2024
During his peak season with the Lakers in 2019-20, Caruso averaged 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, proving his worth as a crucial bench player. His exit was felt by the team, an Eastern Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Heavy.com that the Lakers regretted letting him go.
Fans of the Lakers have also reacted to Caruso’s comments Some believe that the team would have won more championships if Caruso had stayed, one fan commented “Would’ve won 3 rings by now.” Other fans hinted at a potential return, stating “The return coming” and “Never too late.”
Currently, Caruso is having a great season with the Bulls, averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 39 games. His impressive play has made him a sought-after player in trade talks, but the Bulls are reportedly demanding multiple first-round picks in any potential deal.
Lakers willing to trade Austin Reaves for Lauri Markkanen
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make major roster changes. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that the Lakers would consider trading guard Austin Reaves in a deal that could bring Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen to Los Angeles.
Per Jovan Buha via The Athletic: “There are players the Lakers would include him in deals to acquire. If they could add a bona fide third star to complement James and Davis – Utah All-Star Lauri Markannen, for example – or multiple high-level starters in a bigger trade, they would consider moving Reaves.”
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka is known for his bold trade strategies. While acquiring Markkanen might be out of reach right now, Pelinka’s history suggests that it is not impossible to do so. The Lakers’ strategies in the next few days will be crucial in shaping their team for the rest of the season.