The Los Angeles Lakers could be exploring a familiar solution to one of their biggest roster issues this offseason. A potential reunion with former fan favorite Alex Caruso may be possible if the Oklahoma City Thunder decide to make changes to their roster.
With Oklahoma City facing difficult financial decisions after handing out major extensions to several core players, Caruso has emerged as a name that could surface in trade discussions.
“Caruso is the perfect fit,” FanSided’s Lake Show Life reported. “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.”
The Thunder built one of the deepest rosters in the league in recent years, surrounding franchise stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams with experienced role players like Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. That approach paid off in a big way when Oklahoma City captured the 2025 NBA championship.
However, maintaining that depth is becoming increasingly expensive.
Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts explained that Oklahoma City may need to make some difficult roster decisions as younger players become eligible for new deals.
With team options looming for players such as Hartenstein and Lu Dort, the Thunder could explore moving veteran contracts in order to maintain financial flexibility. Caruso, currently the oldest player on the roster, could become the logical candidate if the front office decides to prioritize its younger core.
For the Lakers, the timing could be ideal.
The franchise is expected to have significant financial flexibility this summer, with several contracts potentially coming off the books.
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