Alex Caruso
He transformed from an undrafted college player into a defensive force, winning championships with two different franchises through sheer hustle and intelligence.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 28·Millennials
Biography
Alex Caruso’s path to the NBA was anything but guaranteed. After going undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2016, he clawed his way onto the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster via the G League, his work ethic immediately endearing him to fans and coaches. His impact was never about gaudy scoring averages; it was the deflections, the timely steals, and the defensive stops that changed games. Caruso’s blue-collar approach made him a perfect complement to superstars, helping the Lakers secure a title in the 2020 NBA Finals. His reputation as a defensive savant grew so large that he became a coveted piece for contending teams, ultimately playing a key role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 championship run, cementing his legacy as the ultimate winning role player.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2020 NBA Championship as a key defensive specialist for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023, recognized as one of the league's premier defenders.
- Won a second NBA championship in 2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Led the NBA in steals per game during the 2022-2023 season.
Did You Know?
He earned the nickname 'Carushow' from Lakers fans for his energetic, game-changing plays.
He majored in Sports Management at Texas A&M University.
His father, Mike Caruso, was the athletic director at Texas A&M.
He initially joined the Lakers on a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and the G League.
“I just try to play the right way, play hard, and do whatever it takes to win.”
