Alex Caruso played a significant role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent victory over the Indiana Pacers, securing the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. This title also marks Caruso’s second championship since he began his NBA career in 2017.
Caruso previously helped the Los Angeles Lakers win a championship in 2020, which was only his third year in the NBA. In his inaugural season with the Thunder, he earned a title in his eighth NBA season. Caruso openly acknowledged a distinct difference between these two championship experiences.
Alex Caruso Reflects on Winning NBA Titles with Lakers and Thunder
On Thursday, June 27, 2025, days after the Thunder clinched the championship, Caruso worked a shift at a Raising Cane’s location. When asked to compare his experience of winning a title with the Thunder to his 2020 win with the Lakers, he offered a concise and clear statement.
“When I won a Championship with the Lakers, I was with Hall of Famers and still trying to figure it out,” said Caruso. “Six years later, I knew the answers to the test, and I picked it up and ran with it.”
.@ACFresh21 just rolled in after his OKC Basketball Championship win — looks like thunder is in today’s forecast at Raising Cane’s pic.twitter.com/3WLdiScxBh
— Raising Cane’s (@raisingcanes) June 27, 2025
During his time with the Lakers, Caruso was a surprise contributor to their championship team, but he had not yet fully established his reputation. In the five years between his two titles, Caruso has built an impressive resume. In addition to winning two championships, he has also been named to two All-Defensive teams, both achieved while he was with the Chicago Bulls.
The Lakers’ decision to let Caruso depart in 2021, especially when it could have been for a modest cost, is often considered one of their more overlooked missteps. His subsequent development has been so significant that the NBA’s trade sending him to Oklahoma City in June 2024 remains one of the more puzzling moves of the past year.
Before acquiring Caruso, the Thunder possessed substantial young talent capable of competing with the league’s top teams. However, they lacked the experienced “glue players” who could help navigate difficult situations and maintain team cohesion. Caruso’s arrival provided that crucial ingredient to the Thunder’s championship roster.
By winning two titles with two different teams, Caruso is building a strong case for being considered the best role player of his generation. While he may not earn All-Star selections in the near future, the Thunder guard’s ability to win championships with two distinct rosters, especially while playing on the richest contract of his NBA career, draws parallels to the career of Robert Horry.
