Alex Caruso has an ‘exciting’ look at Jalen Williams’ return to OKC

Oklahoma City Thunder a veteran Alec Caruso is excited for Jaylen Williams returns after missing the previous 10 games. The Thunder, who will be without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the third straight game, will look to snap a three-game skid when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.

At the team’s morning game, Caruso talked about what Williams is all about coming back from a hamstring injury means for the Thunder, according to Justin Martinez of the Oklahoman.

“Obviously it’s exciting. We’d love to have everybody healthy, but any time you get one person back, especially Dub, just because the energy he creates, the gravitas he brings when he’s on the floor makes it easier for the other guys. And he’s a great teammate, he’s got a lot of good energy. So it’s fun for us to play with him, ex.”

The Thunder have lost five of their last 10 games without Jaylen Williams. Without Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, The Thunder traded for Jared McCain before the deadlineadding another scorer to coach Marc Dagneault’s backcourt. Despite the injuries, however, Williams returns one of the Thunder’s most reliable scorers, who can facilitate and defend the opposing team’s best players, to replace All-Star Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt.

Alex Caruso addresses Lakers fans ahead of Thunder game

While Thunder veteran Alex Caruso is nearly six years removed from winning a championship with the Lakers, he expects a warm welcome ahead of Monday’s game at Cripto.com Arena. When a reporter asked Caruso if returning to Los Angeles still brings back memories of his time with the Lakers.

“This far from playing in LA, not really,” Caruso replied. “Obviously, I’m still probably going to get a good reception just because of the things that I’ve been able to accomplish here. I think the amount of effort and energy that I’ve put into playing for the team that I’ve been on for a couple of years here in L.A., it goes a long way with this crowd, much like the crowd in Oklahoma City and Chicago — sports fans in general.

“But yeah, it’s always nice to come back here and get a warm welcome.”

The Lakers have won their last three games.