As the Chicago Bulls continue to make a push in the playoffs, their star player Alex Caruso took a moment to reflect on his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and their infamous 2020 NBA Finals run. Despite now playing for the Bulls, Caruso still feels a connection to the Lakers and couldn’t resist taking a jab at the critics who have been dismissing their championship win.
“Boston wins [Sunday] & it’s 2020 all over again,” Caruso tweeted on May 13. “‘BUT THE BUBBLE DIDN’T COUNT !’”
Boston wins tonight & it’s 2020 all over again 👀
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) May 13, 2023
“ BUT THE BUBBLE DIDNT COUNT !” 😭😭
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) May 13, 2023
Caruso was an integral part of the Lakers’ championship run, averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds during the 2020 NBA Finals. While some argue that the championship was a meaningless “Mickey Mouse ring” due to the sterile environment of the NBA bubble, Caruso disagrees.
As he pointed out, three of the four teams that participated in the Conference Finals in 2020 have already secured their 2023 berths, including Denver and the Miami Heat. Caruso believes that the lack of distractions in the bubble made for the “highest level” of NBA basketball, a sentiment shared by Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.
While the Lakers have undergone significant changes since their championship win, the key figures from that original foursome are still in place. And now, with the Lakers eliminating the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament and advancing to the playoffs, Caruso is ready to defend their championship title.
“People can say whatever they want about the bubble, but we still had to go out there and win games,” Caruso said in a recent interview. “LeBron James is still the best player in the world, and we still have a championship ring to show for it. So, to all the critics out there, I say, ‘But the bubble didn’t count? Tell that to our rings.’
As the Lakers continue their playoff journey, Caruso remains confident in his former team’s abilities. And while he may now be a Bull, he will always have a special place in his heart for the Lakers and their championship win.
Bulls’ Alex Caruso Makes History as First-Time Selection on NBA All-Defensive First Team
Alex Caruso, the former Los Angeles Lakers guard who signed with the Chicago Bulls in the offseason, has achieved a career milestone by earning a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. He is the first Bull to earn a spot on the All-Defensive First Team since Jimmy Butler in the 2015-16 season.
The 27-year-old guard played an instrumental role for the Bulls on the defensive end this season, averaging 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. He also held opponents to a field goal percentage of just 42.7%, which is 5.2% below their average field goal percentage.
Caruso’s All-Defensive First Team selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication on the defensive end of the floor. Despite not making the playoffs this season, he has proven his value to the Bulls with his defensive prowess and all-around game.
Patrick Beverley, a fellow NBA guard and noted defensive specialist, congratulated Caruso on his achievement via Twitter, writing “Congrats to my dawg @ACFresh21 !!! @chicagobulls got a good one.”
Caruso’s All-Defensive First Team selection is a positive sign for the Bulls as they look to build a contender around their young core of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. With Caruso’s defensive prowess and the continued development of their young players, the Bulls could be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
