Lakers possibly looking to reunite with guard Alex Caruso

On September 13, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report stated, "While the Lakers have put together a deep, talented roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they might not have quite enough backcourt talent to make a title run." "They might think about aiming for a familiar face if they decide to pursue an upgrade at guard." The 29-year-old Caruso, who assisted the Lakers in winning a championship in 2019–2020, left for a four-year, $36.9 million deal after the 2020–21 campaign. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team for the previous season.

In the previous season, he averaged 5.6 points, 2.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Caruso continued to play lockdown perimeter defence, making a career-high 67 appearances (and 36 starts). He also shot 36.4% from 3-point range.