Alex Caruso spoke candidly about facing LeBron James and his former team following Monday night’s 119-110 victory by the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
“It’s tough, man. He’s a strong dude and he’s still 6’8,” Caruso said, via Ryan Ward. “He’s a really hard matchup for a lot of guys in the league. Not a lot of people have a 6’8, 250-pound guy that can handle his moves.”
Caruso, who scored 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting for the Thunder, highlighted the challenge of competing against NBA greats. “It’s always fun competing against the greats of the league, of the history of the league,” he said. “I try to rise to the occasion and compete and play well because that’s the fun part about the NBA. It’s testing yourself against the best.”
The guard also addressed playing against the Lakers. “Just trying to make sure that I’m locked into play against him. Then coming back here, you want to play well against the former team,” Caruso added.
The Thunder improved to an NBA-best 41-13 while snapping a two-game skid, aided by Jalen Williams’ return from a 10-game absence with a hamstring strain. Williams scored 23 points, including 15 in the second half, as Oklahoma City separated late.
Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and delivered a key put-back dunk with 1:17 remaining. Isaiah Joe added 19 points off the bench, and the Thunder’s depth proved decisive, outscoring Los Angeles’ reserves.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 22 points and 10 assists, scoring 14 after halftime as Los Angeles attempted to rally. Marcus Smart added 19 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 16 under a minutes restriction. Defensive breakdowns allowed Oklahoma City to control the final stretch.
The matchup featured short-handed lineups, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for the Thunder and Luka Doncic sidelined for the Lakers. Both teams relied heavily on half-court possessions, combining for 52 free-throw attempts.
Oklahoma City shot 48% from the field and hit 14 three-pointers while forcing 15 turnovers. Los Angeles made 50% of its shots but struggled from deep at 10-of-31, limiting their ability to match the Thunder’s late runs.
The Thunder continue their road trip Wednesday in Phoenix, while the Lakers prepare to host San Antonio.
