Caruso’s key takeaways from his time with LeBron at the Lakers
Thunders guard Alex Caruso says his time alongside LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers had a big impact on him.
Alex Caruso says he benefited from experiencing LeBron James’ “competitive greatness” at the Los Angeles Lakers, as the guard bids to help the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA championship.
Caruso and the Thunder are aiming to level their Finals series against the Pacers on Friday, after Indiana edged ahead in the best-of-seven matchup with a 116-107 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday.
“Most infectious defender in the world”
A player described by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon as a “defensive stalwart”, Caruso has established himself as an experienced leader “whose voice has helped guide the Thunder as they stride toward their championship potential”, MacMahon says.
The Ringer’s Michael Pina lauds the 31-year-old, who joined Oklahoma from the Chicago Bulls a year ago, as “the most turbulent, versatile, and infectious defender in the world”.
In offense, meanwhile, Caruso notably racked up 20 points in Sunday’s 123-107 win over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Finals. He has averaged 13 across the championship series, a rate of scoring that makes him the Thunder’s fourth-highest points provider.
And the Texas native, who won the 2020 NBA title with James during a four-year spell at the Lakers, says his illustrious former team-mate had a major hand in making him the influential player he is.
Caruso learned to be a “pro’s pro” alongside LeBron
“[James] just [taught me] the ability to be a pro,” Caruso said this week, per OKC Thunder Wire.
“To go get your treatment, to eat right, to sleep, get in your recovery tights. The competitive greatness that he has that I’ve picked up from him and other guys has been a good addition to my mentality.
“But really just being a pro. Being a pro’s pro. I think we played over a hundred games as a team now this year, not including practices, not including travel days. All that stuff adds up.
“Just being a pro, making sure I’m taking care of my body, my mind and bringing others with me.”
Thunder vs Pacers: Game 4 tip-off time, how to watch
In Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, June 13. Tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch Game 4 on ABC. You can stream the network’s coverage on fubo, which offers a free trial. You’ll also have the option of following live-text coverage of the action right here at AS USA.
Can Thunder end title wait?
Competing in their first NBA Finals since 2012, the Thunder are attempting to win the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
While competing as the Seattle Supersonics, the team lifted the NBA title in 1979.
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