Alex Caruso Says Guarding LeBron James Remains a Tough Task at 41
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LOS ANGELES — Alex Caruso returned to Crypto.com Arena on Monday night and helped the Oklahoma City Thunder hand the Los Angeles Lakers a 115-104 defeat. In just his 24 minutes off the bench, the veteran guard hit 7 of 8 shots and finished with 17 points, his second-highest total of the season.
The matchup brought Caruso face-to-face with former teammate LeBron James, now 41. After the game, Caruso described the challenge of defending the four-time MVP. “He’s strong and still 6-8,” Caruso said. “Not many players have to guard a 6-8, 250-pound guy who can handle the ball and make every move.”
Caruso spent his first four NBA seasons with the Lakers, starting Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals as Los Angeles clinched its most recent championship. The franchise allowed him to leave for the Chicago Bulls in 2021 free agency, and he was later dealt to Oklahoma City, where he played a key role in another title run. He turns 32 later this month.
The Thunder, despite injury issues, hold a four-game lead atop the Western Conference and are aiming for their second straight championship. Monday’s win moved them to 38-15. The Lakers fell to 32-20, sliding to fifth place in the conference.
James, who finished with 28 points and nine assists, agreed with the standings assessment afterward. “They’re a championship team,” he said of the Thunder. “We’re not there right now.”
Source: Lakers Nation
