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 an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He played college basketball at Texas A&M, earning All-SEC honors. Caruso is a two-time NBA champion, having won titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025. He is also a two-time All-Defensive Team selection (2023, 2024) while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Known for his defensive prowess and all-around game, Caruso has become a respected player in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 23, 2016: Signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder

On September 23, 2016, Alex Caruso signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking an early step in his professional career.

2016: All-SEC Second Team Honors

In 2016, as a senior playing college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies, Alex Caruso earned second-team all-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors.

July 13, 2017: Signing with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 13, 2017, after a productive stint in the NBA Summer League, Alex Caruso signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming 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: Signing 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 LeBron James absent, Alex Caruso scored 18 points and achieved a career-high 11 assists in a 113–109 home win over the Utah Jazz.

July 6, 2019: Signing a Contract with the Lakers

On July 6, 2019, Alex Caruso signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $5.5 million.

October 11, 2020: NBA Championship Win

On October 11, 2020, Alex Caruso won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers after they defeated the Miami Heat in six games. Caruso started the clinching game of the NBA Finals.

2020: NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Alex Caruso won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

August 10, 2021: Signing with the 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 as his usual number 4 was retired.

October 27, 2023: Game-Winning Performance

On October 27, 2023, Alex Caruso had a notable performance with 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and a game-winning three-pointer in a 104–103 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors.

2023: 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 his first All-Defensive Team selection as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

June 21, 2024: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

On June 21, 2024, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, reuniting him with coach Mark Daigneault.

2024: Second All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2024, Alex Caruso received his second consecutive All-Defensive Team selection as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

2025: NBA Championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2025, Alex Caruso secured his second NBA championship while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2025: Second NBA Championship

In 2025, during his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Alex Caruso earned his second-career NBA championship after winning the 2025 NBA Finals in seven games against the Indiana Pacers.