The Lakers abandoned the player and did not give him 30 million for three years. Now they have made a record in the 21st century.

After defeating the Nuggets, the Thunder successfully entered the Western Conference Finals. As a youth army, the team's young people have grown rapidly, but the strengthening of management is also an indispensable contribution. Last year, the Thunder stopped in the Western Conference semi-finals, and the team leader Alexander also performed well, but the overall configuration was not strong enough. Last summer, the Thunder first signed blue-collar center Harten, and then won the championship 3D Caruso through a trade. This Lakers abandoned player back then was unwilling to give him a three-year, 30 million contract. Now he has become the thigh of the Thunder and has also set a record in the 21st century.

Let's talk about Caruso today, in today's game. Caruso played as a substitute for the team and played for 26 minutes. His playing time was longer than Dort, which was definitely a core treatment. He handed over gorgeous data of 11 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. He has three-pointers, fast attacks, and defensive performance, especially with multiple double-teams and steals Jokic, which is a famous scene. Caruso's plus or negative value also reached +40 in this game, which is the best plus or negative value for substitutes in the 21st century tiebreak battle! It also proved his role.

Since the playoffs, Caruso has averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 46%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 42%, an absolute top 3D player. The defense, three-pointers, vitality and experience brought by Caruso are indispensable to the champion team. For the Thunder, if the championship is successful this year, Caruso will also make an indelible contribution.

As early as 2020, Caruso successfully helped the Lakers win the championship. Caruso was also a substitute for the team back then, with averaging only 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. However, on the playoff stage, he also performed well, with a clear mind on the court, stable offense and defense, and finally successfully helped the Lakers to the top. After making a fortune, the Lakers discussed renewing the contract with Caruso, and Caruso's asking price was not high, only $30 million for three years.

But the Lakers finally chose to refuse and renewed the contract with Horton Tucker with a three-year, $32 million contract, letting go of excellent 3D players. After that, Caruso joined the Bulls with a four-year, $37 million contract. The Lakers did not match the offer, but let Caruso go for nothing.

After that, Caruso performed well with the Bulls. In order to trade Caruso, the Thunder gave away the young star Gidey. As it turns out, the Thunder's vision is unique. The Thunder is a youth team, with an average age of only 25.2 years old, although the core player Alexander is at the MVP level. But to win the championship, an experienced veteran is essential.