The Los Angeles Lakers were ousted from the playoffs in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. 

Three of the four games weren't competitive as the Thunder managed to pull away in the second half. 

While the Lakers relied heavily on their starting lineup of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton, the Thunder got major contributions from their bench. 

Even without All-Star Jalen Williams, the Thunder went four or five players deep off their bench as Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain, and Jaylin Williams all getting playing time. 

Alex Caruso arrived in Oklahoma City in the 2024 offseason, and brought a new intensity and identity to the team. The Thunder went on to win the NBA Championship in 2025, which marked Caruso's second championship as a pro. 

He previousy won in 2020 as a member of the Lakers alongside LeBron James. 

Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron was asked about competing against Caruso in the second round this season. 

"I miss him every single day. To be able to compete against him in a playoff series is everything. If you want to compete, AC is going to be right there. He's going to get up underneath you, he's going to grab you, he's going to hold you, he's going to compete. He's going to do it at a professional level. He's not going to beat himself. You have to play that chess game with AC," he said. 

LeBron said you have to be very strategic with your movements and where you put the ball around him because he has good hands and will take it from you. 

Caruso hasn't made an All-Defensive team in the last two seasons, but when the playoffs begin, there are few players in the league you would want on your team over Caruso. 

He guarded Nikola Jokic in the playoffs last season, and has spent time guarding Victor Wembanyama this season. Against the Lakers, Caruso spent the majority of the game guarding LeBron, which LeBron said he expected, even when Lu Dort was the on the court. 

On the offensive end, Caruso only averaged 6.3 points, three rebounds, and 2.3 assists, but was a +12.5. He's been a proven playoff riser, and the type of player the Lakers have missed since he left for the Chicago Bulls in 2021.