"I'll never forgive Jeanie Buss" - Lakers fans continue to dread Alex Caruso's departure as he explodes in NBA Finals Game 2 win

Former Lakers player Alex Caruso exploded for 20 points in the NBA Finals Game 2, helping the OKC Thunder tie the series with a 123-107 win. Caruso shot 54.5%, including four 3s. He also put the work in on the defensive end, producing his best performance in a playoff setting.

After another spectacular effort, Caruso reminded Lakers fans of what they are missing in his absence. Despite his contribution to the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era's successful start in 2019-20, the Lakers let Caruso walk in the 2021 NBA free agency after trading for Russell Westbrook and re-signing Talen Horton-Tucker.

Caruso took his talents to Chicago, where he spent the next three years before moving base to OKC via trade in a swap with Josh Giddey. Ever since Caruso left, the Lakers haven't had a defensive stopper like him, leading to majority of their struggles on that end of the floor.

Amid one of his better two-way seasons, the Lakers fanbase continues to dread his absence even more. Here are a few reactions after Caruso tied his NBA playoffs career-high in Sunday's win:

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Skip Bayless remains surprised by Alex Caruso's undrafted status

Ardent OKC Thunder supporter Skip Bayless remains amazed by Alex Caruso's brilliance. The veteran analyst expressed his surprise at Caruso's 20-point outing in Game 2, questioning his undrafted status.

"How was Alex Caruso not drafted???"

Caruso went unpicked in the 2016 draft and began his journey with the Thunder's D-League team, the Oklahoma City Blue. A year later, he earned a permanent deal with the Lakers.

It was a full-circle moment for Caruso to rejoin the Thunder this season. He reunited with his first coach, Mark Daigneault, who was the OKC Blue coach nine years ago. Caruso hasn't been flashy as such, but with his gritty playing style alone, he's earned the label as one of the best undrafted players in the NBA.

The Thunder wasted no time in extending him, either, tying the All-Defense caliber guard to a four-year $81.1 million contract.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje