In a move that has ignited discussions across the NBA landscape, Alex Caruso has secured a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This development has prompted a wave of reactions, particularly from fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, who recall Caruso’s impactful tenure with their team.

Caruso, renowned for his defensive prowess and high basketball IQ, was a pivotal contributor to the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. His departure in 2021, following a contract disagreement, left many questioning the Lakers’ front office decisions. The recent extension with the Thunder has reignited these sentiments, with fans expressing frustration over the Lakers’ choice to let Caruso walk away.

One fan remarked, One of Rob Pelinka’s biggest blunders as a GM. Prioritizing THT over Caruso… AC always going to be a fan favorite for the Lakers. Congrats! Another added, Jeanie Buss let go of him for free btw.

Caruso’s journey post-Lakers has been noteworthy. After a stint with the Chicago Bulls, he was traded to the Thunder in June 2024 in exchange for Josh Giddey. His performance in Oklahoma City has evidently convinced the Thunder’s management of his value, leading to this substantial contract extension.

However, the extension has not been without its critics. Some fans have questioned the financial commitment, pointing to Caruso’s offensive statistics. One fan noted, 20 mil a year for a guy who has no offense and plays good defense is wild. Another highlighted, 38% from the field btw.

Despite these critiques, Caruso’s impact on the court extends beyond traditional statistics. His defensive acumen, ability to guard multiple positions, and intangible qualities make him a valuable asset to any team. As one fan aptly put it, “Everyone likes this dude. Great player, great attitude. Well deserved.

Reflecting on his time with the Lakers, Caruso has expressed thoughts about what could have been if he had remained alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He stated, “I definitely have always thought about it because those guys [LeBron and AD] are my brothers. We’ve been through a lot together.

LeBron James, known for his leadership and camaraderie with teammates, has always spoken highly of Caruso. While specific comments from James regarding Caruso’s recent extension have not been publicly documented, their on-court chemistry during their tenure with the Lakers was evident. James often praised Caruso’s basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

The Lakers’ decision to let Caruso depart has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts alike. An NBA executive was quoted saying, “Stats and eye test showed he was once of LeBron’s best teammates ever.” This sentiment underscores the value Caruso brought to the Lakers during his tenure.

As Caruso embarks on this new chapter with the Thunder, the debate continues: Was letting him go a misstep for the Lakers? Only time will tell how this decision will be evaluated in the annals of NBA history.

In the meantime, Caruso’s focus remains on contributing to the Thunder’s success. His journey from an undrafted player to securing a significant contract extension is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the intangible qualities he brings to the game.

As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Caruso to see how he leverages this opportunity and whether the Lakers’ decision to let him go will continue to be a point of contention among the basketball community.