Welcome to The Carushow!

It’s impossible to hate Alex Caruso.

This man went from un-drafted, to the G-League, to playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, to being a meme, then eventually became a NBA champion. He is a true underdog story.

I first heard of Alex Caruso during the 2017 Summer League. Big fan of Lonzo Ball then, I was hyped to see him ball out. But some bald white dude named Alex Caruso won my heart. I was like: “How is this math-teacher-looking guy killing everybody on the court?” There was also a thought in my head: “This guy might start over Lonzo one day.”

2 years later, Lonzo was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, and Alex Caruso signed a 2 year / $5.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Texas native spent 4 years at Texas A&M where he averaged 8.0 points, 4.7 assists and 2.02 steals per game. He is the Aggies’ all-time leader in assists (649) and steals (276). Caruso finished his senior season in 2016 with SEC All-Defensive Team and second-team All-SEC honors. Should have been the 2016 SEC Defensive Player of the Year too, Alex Caruso recalled.

Alex Caruso had a bumpy path to the NBA. After going un-drafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, Caruso signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2016 NBA Summer League. In that September, he was picked up by the Oklahoma City Thunder only to get waived by them a few weeks later. Yikes, the NBA dream was not looking too bright for him. But he did not give up on that dream, Caruso decided to spend 2016–17 with the Oklahoma City Blue of the G-League. He then was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2017 NBA Las Vegas Summer League. His phenomenal performance helped the team to win the Summer League Championship, the Lakers rewarded Caruso with a 2-way contract, where he would be playing for both the South Bay Lakers and Los Angeles Lakers. On October 19th, 2017, Alex Caruso made his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Displayed another impressive showing at the 2018 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, Caruso earned himself the second 2-way contract for the 2018–19 season from the Los Angeles Lakers. Caruso saw more actions on the floor with the Lakers first team that season, he’s proven that he belongs in the league. Here is one of the memorable moments he gave us that season:

Alex Caruso credited his time in the G-League shaping him to become the player that he is today. On The Old Man And The Three podcast, hosted by JJ Reddick, Caruso said that when he played for the Oklahoma City Blue, Sam Presti (OKC Thunder general manager) advised him on becoming a better defender, and making small plays to contribute to a NBA team. Caruso also added: “Guys in the G League try to average 25 points a game. They’ve (NBA) got guys they’re paying $30 million a year to score 25 points a game. It’s a self-awareness of understanding what you’re good at and what teams need and trying to do that.” (via The Old Man And The Three podcast) Such wise words from the GOAT himself.

On July 6th, 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers officially signed Alex Caruso to a 2-year/$5.5 million contract, and the rest is history…

In that same summer, Alex Caruso went viral and became the meme god. Done signing the new contract, Caruso went to work right away. The Los Angeles Lakers posted some pictures of Caruso putting in work during the offseason, included two pictures showing him shirtless.

Shortly after, a photoshopped picture making Caruso buffer than he appears to be surfaced the internet. Funny timing, the NBA immediately sent him a random offseason drug test a week later. Coincidence?

Since becoming a part of the Lakers family, fans have given Alex Caruso many nicknames: ‘The Bald Mamba’, ‘The White Mamba’, ‘The Bald Eagle’, ‘The Accountant’, ‘The Carushow’, and ‘The GOAT’, which is what LeBron James calls him everyday.

Now let’s talk about basketball.

Alex Caruso is more than just a bald white dude. Despite of looking like a substitute teacher, Caruso has such a great basketball IQ, unbelievable athleticism, and incredible work ethic. He was a valuable piece of the Lakers during their 2019–20 championship run. If you are a casual fan who judges players based on their stats, then you probably think Caruso is a scrub. But basketball is more than that. Last year, Caruso averaged just 5.5 points, 1.9 assists and rebounds a game. However, he doesn’t need to have crazy stats to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

On offense, he is all you can ask for from a role player. Good handles, excellent playmaker, solid jump-shot, and mad hops! When he sees the hole is clear for take-off, you can count on Caruso for high-flying dunks and highlight-reel plays.

Most importantly, he knows how to maximize and complement his fellow teammate, LeBron James. When the two were on the floor together last year, they posted the best net ratings (+24.7) in the whole league. Obviously, LeBron draws a lot of attention from every team every night. Alex Caruso does such a good job at moving around and finding the open area for LeBron to ditch out, resulting in an easy drive to the basket, or an uncontested jumper. The two has developed an unique chemistry together.

Additionally, the little things that he does such as setting screens, cutting, running pick-and-rolls, or crashing the board, those open up scoring opportunities not just for himself but the other 4 guys on the floor. Caruso is a nuance. Always under control, doing the right things, and efficient. He’s that energetic glue guy.

Defensively, Alex Caruso has established himself to be one of the best defensive guards in the league. He can be a game-changer with his defense. You know what they say, defense wins championships. That’s why Alex Caruso got the start in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.

Last year, Caruso’s got one of the best defensive box plus/minus (+2.4). On a nightly basis, he always comes out with high energy and puts his body on the line defensively. Listing at 6'5" with a 6'5" wingspan, not the best physical traits, Caruso still manages to stay in front of the opposition, and forces tough shots. His high IQ allows him to recognize plays ahead of time and adjust accordingly. The ability of him making switches and helping out weak side is second to none. Averaged 1.1 steals per game last season, Caruso seemed to always be in the right position at the right time to disrupt the other teams’ offense. His great decision-making skills on defense has been a great boost to the Lakers.

Alex Caruso has been off to a good start this season, currently sitting at 15th in 3-point shooting at 48%, and third in the defensive rating at 98.4. His teammates know how valuable he is. “He’s not the highest paid, doesn’t have all the accolades and credentials, and a lot of people don’t notice him, but he plays the right way. He locks up defensively, makes tough shots, scrappy.” Anthony Davis said.

Against the Boston Celtics on January 30th, Alex Caruso made arguably one of the best defensive plays of the the year to save the Lakers down the stretch. Game on the line with a few seconds left, Alex Caruso made a hustle play on the defensive end, helped the Lakers secured 96–95 win over the Celtics. He also finished with the team-best plus/minus, +14 in 20 minutes.

That’s championship basketball right there.

Alex Caruso is set to hit free agency in 2021, it’s going to be interesting for sure. However, knowing how big of an impact he is, the Lakers’ front office should do everything in its power to bring him back.

Let The Carushow story be an inspiration to all the kids out there. You can look like a teacher and still find success in the league. As long as you work hard, set your ego aside, and be a star in your role. Because that’s what Alex Caruso is, he’s not a superstar, but he is a star role player in the NBA.