Veteran guard Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder expressed enthusiasm as Jalen Williams rejoined the team after missing 10 games due to a hamstring injury. The Thunder, who have been without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for three straight games, aim to halt a potential three-game losing streak during their upcoming away contest against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking at the team’s morning shootaround, Caruso highlighted the positive impact Williams brings back to the squad, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.
It’s exciting, obviously. We’d love to have everybody healthy, but anytime you get one person back, especially Dub, just because the energy he creates, the gravity that he pulls when he’s on the floor, makes it easier for other guys. And he’s a great teammate, he’s a lot of good energy. So, it’s fun to play with. So, we’re excited to have him back.
— Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder veteran
Williams’ Presence Strengthens Thunder Amid Ongoing Injuries
The Thunder have struggled recently, losing half of their last 10 games without Jalen Williams’ contributions. In addition to missing Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City acquired Jared McCain before the trade deadline to provide more scoring support in the backcourt under head coach Mark Daigneault. Still, bringing Williams back restores one of the team’s most consistent scorers, who also helps with ball distribution and defensive assignments, easing some pressure on All-Star center Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt.
Caruso Reflects on Returning to Play Against the Lakers
Although it has been nearly six years since Alex Caruso won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, he anticipates a respectful reception when the Thunder face the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Monday. When asked if returning to Los Angeles evokes memories of his time with the Lakers, Caruso shared his thoughts.
This far removed from playing in LA, not really,
Caruso said. “Obviously, I’ll still probably get a good reception just because of things I was able to accomplish here. I think the amount of effort and energy I put into playing for the team that I was on from my couple of years here in LA, that goes a long way with this crowd, much like the Oklahoma City crowd, and Chicago — sports fans in general.
But, yeah, it’s always nice coming back here and getting a warm reception.
— Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder veteran
The Lakers enter the game having won their last three contests, setting the stage for an intense matchup. Williams’ Thunder return not only brings fresh energy but could influence the team’s ability to compete strongly on the road, especially against a seasoned Lakers squad known for passionate fans.
Here’s Alex Caruso after Thunder shootaround pic.twitter.com/5axfFfVVrW
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 9, 2026
