Despite now being with the Chicago Bulls, Alex Caruso still remains to be one of the most-loved figures within the ranks of the Los Angeles Lakers. The fans absolutely adore the high-flying guard and at this point, some of them are already wishing that Caruso never left LA.

Prior to taking his talents to Chicago last summer as a free agent, Caruso was a key player for the Lakers' second unit for many years. Last season, the 6-foot-4 guard played a significant role for LA as they defended their 2020 title against the rest of the NBA. Unfortunately for the Lakers, their title defense came up short with Caruso and Co. suffering an early playoff exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

Caruso recently shared his thoughts on LA's first-round elimination last season and in the mind of the former Texas A&M standout, Phoenix clearly had an unfair advantage over them throughout the series. The former Lakers stud firmly believes that if only Anthony Davis weren't injured, the Lakers would have definitely progressed into the second round:

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 "Triple White", Kobe Bryant, Nike Air Force 1
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ release detailsDominik Zawartko ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to Jamie Foxx’s big BET Awards nightJosh Davis ·

“If A.D. is healthy I think we beat Phoenix in the first round,” Caruso said, via The Athletic’s Bill Oram.

Davis barely played for the Lakers during last season's playoffs and it resulted in the Suns making quick work of a shorthanded LA side. LeBron James was able to suit up for the Lakers, but he too was not one hundred percent.

After defeating LA, the Suns went all the way to the NBA Finals last year. As Caruso expressed in his statement above, this would not have been the case if the Lakers had a bit more luck last season.