Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alex Caruso
How Alex Caruso built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Alex Caruso is a professional basketball player currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Known by nicknames like "Bald Mamba" and "Carushow," he played college basketball for Texas A&M, earning all-SEC honors. Caruso won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. While playing for the Chicago Bulls, he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in both 2023 and 2024, solidifying his reputation as a valuable defensive player.
September 23, 2016: Signed with Oklahoma City Thunder
On September 23, 2016, Alex Caruso signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but was later waived on October 17.
2016: Earned All-SEC Honors
In 2016, Alex Caruso earned second-team all-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors as a senior while playing college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies.
July 13, 2017: Signed Two-Way Contract with Lakers
On July 13, 2017, Alex Caruso signed his first two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the first player to go directly from the D-League to the NBA via a two-way contract.
October 19, 2017: NBA Debut
On October 19, 2017, Alex Caruso made his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Clippers, playing 12 minutes and recording two points, two assists, and one rebound in a 108–92 loss.
2018: Signed another Two-Way Contract
In 2018, Alex Caruso signed another two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after a successful showing in the NBA Summer League.
March 6, 2019: Season-High Performance
On March 6, 2019, Alex Caruso recorded a season-high 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists in a 99–115 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
April 7, 2019: Career-High Assists
On April 7, 2019, with James missing the game, Alex Caruso scored 18 points with a career-high 11 assists in a 113–109 home win over the Utah Jazz.
July 6, 2019: Signed Two-Year Contract with Lakers
On July 6, 2019, Alex Caruso signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $5.5 million.
October 11, 2020: Won First NBA Championship
On October 11, 2020, Alex Caruso won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Miami Heat in six games. He also started the clinching game of the NBA Finals.
2020: Won NBA Championship
In 2020, Alex Caruso won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
August 10, 2021: Signed with Chicago Bulls
On August 10, 2021, Alex Caruso signed a four-year, $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls and chose to wear number 6.
October 27, 2023: Game-Winning Performance
On October 27, 2023, Alex Caruso contributed 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, along with a game-winning three-pointer, in a 104–103 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors.
2023: Named to NBA All-Defensive First Team
At the end of the 2023 season, Alex Caruso was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the first time.
2023: All-Defensive Team Selection
In 2023, Alex Caruso earned a selection to the NBA All-Defensive Team as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
June 21, 2024: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
On June 21, 2024, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, reuniting with coach Mark Daigneault.
2024: Consecutive All-Defensive Team Selection
In 2024, Alex Caruso earned his second consecutive selection to the NBA All-Defensive Team as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
