Alex Caruso joined the Oklahoma City Thunder this past offseason, arriving via trade from the Bulls in a deal that sent Josh Giddey to Chicago. Caruso cemented his role as a defensive anchor and veteran leader—averaging 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game—earning a four-year, $81 million extension in December.
He captured his second NBA championship on Sunday as the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7. Caruso was a key contributor throughout the Finals. He finished the series among the top three all-time in NBA Finals steals and logged critical minutes at age 31—the oldest in the rotation.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9).
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9).
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
After the game, Caruso was asked about his two championships, and had an interesting comment about the 2020 title he won with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Yeah, now I got a real one… now no one can say anything," the former Lakers guard said.
However, many Lakers fans interpreted his statement as a jab at the 2020 Lakers championship, earned in the Orlando bubble, suggesting his new ring carried more legitimacy.
"Lost all respect for him… joking or not.." one fan wrote.
"He actually tripping saying that idc if it was a joke," another fan added.
"Everybody acting tough when they up," a third fan mentioned.
"Did he just call the bubble fake?" another fan said.
“Don't bite the hand that fed you," one fan warned.
"This is hella corny," another fan stated.
"This one faker than the bubble," another fan declared.
Caruso later clarified his statement on social media, claiming he was joking: "I had 3 beers already, it’s SARCASM!! -two time"