Behind the Caruso deal

Undrafted in 2016, the LA Lakers signed him to a 2-way contract in 2017.  Not too much of a scorer, Alex Caruso, with his hustle and defense, developed into an important part of the Laker rotation, proving his worth during the 2020 championship run where he started in the title-clinching Game 6.

After the 2020-2021 season, Caruso became an unrestricted free agent.  He hoped the Lakers would offer him a better deal than his 2-year, $5.5 million the previous season.

The Lakers initially offered him $10 million for two years but he didn’t bite as one team was offering Caruso a better deal.  He got on the phone later with Chicago Bulls GM Arturas Karnishovas and head coach Billy Donovan where they described and talked to him about how he plays basketball, about his being an athletic, play-making guard, his underrated passing ability, his being a defensive minded player.  They placed on the table a 4-year, $37 million contract.

He still wanted to be with the Lakers, so Caruso went back to them and asked if they could match Chicago’s offer.  They said no.  He went lower and was willing to stay for 3-years and $30 million.  The Lakers already have a high luxury tax liability and for Jeannie Buss who pays the bills, Caruso is not worth that much money.  They said no and Caruso closed the deal with the Bulls.

Chicago was ready for him and he was ready to be a Bull.   His decision brought “Carushow” to Chicago.  We can’t say the same for the LA Lakers.

Currently, the Lakers are 8th in the Western Conference and 19th overall in the league.  They had been losing games they’re supposed to win and that game against Sacramento was a testament to their state of things, or perhaps management’s state of mind.

They chose to compromise their depth by sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harell and Kye Kuzma to Washington for Russell Westbrook, who with LeBron James and Anthony Davis make up LAL’s version of the Big 3.  Until now, he still could not find the correct rhythm among teammates, often making the Big 3 a really big disappointment. 

Westbrook’s $41.3 million salary for this season as well as LeBron’s $42.5 million and AD’s $35.3 million are the reason for LAL’s luxury tax woes.   Buss is willing to pay more because the team is contending for a title.  So far, the experiment has not produced the desired results because LeBron, built like a pro wrestler, opts to shoot 3s instead of bulldozing his way to the basket. 

AD likewise, instead of operating inside the paint with his length, likes to take jump shots, making him the least effective jump shooter in the league with a 33% clip (minimum of 150 attempts).  In at least 20 games played, AD had attempted at least 2 shots from behind the arc and guess what?  He has the worst clip in NBA history with a 16.7% 3 point conversion rate.   I wonder why coach Frank Vogel hadn't remedied the situation.

Meanwhile, the Bulls, who are 4th on the Eastern Conference, could not be more happier with the Bald Mamba on the floor sharing backcourt duties with another former Laker Lonzo Ball.  Kuz, KCP and Trez combined for a decent 13.6 ppg and 7.16 rpg to help the Wizards hold the 3rd spot in the EC.