Alex Caruso's time with the Los Angeles Lakers is officially over after he agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls this offseason. However, he won't be leaving LA with any ill feeling after the city and the fans embraced him fully.
In his parting message for the city on Instagram, Caruso made sure to express his appreciation for LA and the Lakers for the four amazing years he had that eventually resulted to one championship trophy in 2019-20.
“Where to begin.. the past 4 years in LA have been nothing short of special. Allowing an undrafted kid from College Station, Texas to create a career playing basketball in the NBA. Thank you to the SBL and LAL front offices, all my SBL and LAL coaches, and all my teammates for believing in me and allowing me to be myself,” Caruso started in his farewell message for the Lakers.
Alex Caruso started from the D League (now the G League) after going undrafted in 2016. He had to spend his early years with the Purple and Gold on a two-way contract before proving himself as a legitimate NBA player. In 2019, the fan-favorite guard signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal to stay in LA.
“I’ve been privileged to call this prestigious franchise my home and I’ll forever be grateful. Lastly, to the fans, THANK YOU! from the jump y’all appreciated my effort and love for the game ..I’m glad I could repay y’all with helping this franchise hoist another banner. We’re connected for life,” Caruso added along with purple and gold heart emojis.
While Caruso would have wanted to stay with the Lakers, LA's recent moves–particularly the Russell Westbrook acquisition–made it unlikely for him to return. The Lakers were also said to be unwilling to pay him his expected salary increase, which the Bulls are more than willing to give with his four-year, $37 million deal.
Now, he joins a squad where he can play a bigger role behind his former Lakers teammate Lonzo Ball and superstar shooting guard Zach LaVine.
“From relatively unknown summer league player ..to an NBA CHAMP.. to another NBA contract.. A new chapter begins,” Caruso added.
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