Alex Caruso bares he still thinks about what the Los Angeles Lakers could have achieved had he stuck around

As Alex Caruso visited the Crypto.com Arena recently when the Chicago Bulls played against the Los Angeles Lakers, the feisty, defensive whiz couldn’t help but let his mind wander about what might have been had he decided to stay with the Lakers. It was just another game for Caruso, but one that held a special place in his heart as he reflected on the past.

The Lakers gave him a shot

After going undrafted in the NBA Draft, the former Texas A&M star did not give up on his NBA dreams and eventually got the attention of the Lakers, who gave him a shot during the 2017-2018 season. Not long after, he became a fan favorite, earning the nicknames “The Bald Mamba” and “The Carushow” for his fearless drives to the basket and soaring finishes at the rim.

However, his defense truly stood out, as he quickly became known for his tenacity and ability to lock down some of the league’s top scorers. Fans and teammates alike marveled at Caruso’s hustle and determination on the court, which helped the Lakers secure the NBA title in 2020.

Caruso’s time in Los Angeles ended after the 2020-2021 season when he signed as a free agent for the Bulls. Although Caruso has reached new heights in Chicago—earning All-Defensive First Team honors last season—he still thinks about his time with the Lakers and how things might have played out.

“Just because of how well I played with them when I was here. I know how I supported them. And I've gotten better. I was expecting myself to get better. It's actually what had to move me on. I kept getting better, and eventually, I was at a point where I couldn't stay here,” Caruso explained in a talk with Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports.

Bulls guard Alex Caruso still wonders how things would have gone had he stayed with Lakers like fans wanted. @LakersSBN https://t.co/hcgDeu68Dm
— SB Nation NBA (@SBNationNBA) January 27, 2024

What could have been

Caruso’s fit with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis was as seamless as can be. His ability to defend, knock down open shots, and make smart plays on the court made him a valuable piece to their championship puzzle. But in the end, it was ultimately his improvement that led him to move on from Los Angeles.

“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,” Caruso shared.

Bulls’ Asking Price To Send Alex Caruso Back To Lakers: https://t.co/donsmfZK8j
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 27, 2024

The Lakers gave him a shot

What could have been

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