Magic Johnson Recalls Warning About ‘Trading’ Alex Caruso as Lakers’ Legend Praises Guard Ahead of OKC vs Pacers 2025 NBA Finals Game 4
The OKC team is currently on a roll. Though the Thunder side is a game behind in the NBA Finals against the Pacers, many still expect Shai and co to win the title. Alongside the big three, SGA-Chet and Williams, one consistent performer for the side is Alex Caruso, who received massive praise from 4-time NBA Champion and Lakers’ Legend Magic Johnson. Ahead of the OKC vs Pacers game 4, Johnson highlights the importance of Caruso and also recalls his advice to the LA franchise regarding the star guard.
Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA championship behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ strong performances. It was the franchise’s 17th NBA title, and everyone felt like the ‘glory days’ were back for the Purple and Gold. But in the next five seasons, the LA team failed to qualify for the postseason once and were knocked out in the first round on three occasions. Misjudged trades were seen as a major reason for their failure.
“The thing that hurt the Lakers the most was losing KCP, and then, we’re watching the other guy for Oklahoma City right now in Caruso,” Johnson said on First Take, via Legion Hoops. “They were our best on-ball defenders, and I told them that. I said, ‘Listen, if you’re going to lose KCP [because] he signed for more money, but you gotta keep Caruso.'”
Alex Caruso played a vital role for the Lakers in the 2020 bubble, and he is delivering a similar impact in the OKC vs Pacers games too.
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While the LA Lakers overlooked Magic Johnson’s advice and traded Alex Caruso to the Bulls, the Oklahoma City Thunder benefited from picking the star in 2024. Defensively strong Caruso also thrived on the offensive end and has averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in the playoffs. He is even shooting 43% from beyond the arc, putting up pressure on the opposition. His elite 3-and-D gameplay has been key to OKC’s success at the moment.
Now, OKC needs three games to win the NBA Championship, with two of those games being played at home. Pacers are two games away and have two home games. Both teams are looking to win their first title in 21st century with their star players in their prime.
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