The announcement that Russell Westbrook had ditched the Washington Wizards to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the City of Angels provoked a few questions – one of which has been answered today with a US$39 million (AU$50 million) four-year contract. As confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, free agent guard Alex Caruso is officially leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for the Chicago Bulls.
Reuniting with former teammate Lonzo Ball – who himself is leaving the New Orleans Pelicans after a sign-and-trade deal (four years, US$85 million) – the Bald Eagle has proven himself to be a valuable member of the Lakers throughout the 2020-21 season. While he only averaged 6.4 points (40.1% from the three-point range), 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, defense was where the 27-year-old talent really shined, asserting himself in tremendous fashion.
“I think it has to be worth mentioning that he has to be considered for an All-Defensive Team with the way he does everything on that side of the ball,” says Frank Vogel, Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
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“To see him dominate on the defensive end, and take control of our offense and play on both sides just proves his value to us.”
Prior to welcoming Alex Caruso, the Chicago Bulls were fairly lacking in the guard depth department. Now having lined up a four-man rotation of Caruso, Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, and Ayo Dosunmu, as noted by Benjamin Zweiman of Draft Kings Nation, if Patrick Williams manages to step up in his sophomore NBA season… the Bulls might just have one of the best defensive teams in the entire league.
“The issue would be down low,” adds Zweiman.
“But between Williams and Thaddeus Young, Chicago will have bodies who can guard multiple positions.”
Safe to say, this development is a pretty sizeable L for the Lakers (and a bloody steal for the Bulls).
