Alex Caruso is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Chicago Bulls, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Caruso has reportedly reached a four-year, $37 million deal with the Bulls–a significant pay raise from his $2.7 million salary from the Lakers in each of the past two seasons.
Free agent guard Alex Caruso has agreed to a four-year, $37M deal with the Chicago Bulls, his agent Greg Lawrence of @Wasserman tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021
Alex Caruso's departure from the Lakers seemed inevitable, however, after the team acquired Russell Westbrook in a trade with the Washington Wizards. With his expected salary increase, the Purple and Gold just couldn't sign him to a new deal that would be fair.
In four seasons in LA, Caruso averaged 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, all while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from deep. While his numbers don't pop out, his defensive presence and hustle were vital in the team's success over the years. He also established himself as a fan-favorite, thanks to his on-court efforts that were always appreciated by the LA faithful.
Interestingly, Caruso will be reuniting with his former Lakers teammate in Lonzo Ball, who also joined the Bulls at the start of free agency. Ball reportedly agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal with Chicago, pairing him up with Zach LaVine in the backcourt.
With that said, Caruso is expected to back up Lonzo at the point guard spot and bring the defensive chops he is known for.
As for the Lakers, the team will certainly hope to replace Caruso in free agency. The team is said to be eyeing Patty Mills, although they are facing competition from the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors.
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