Alex Caruso Calls Out Bubble Ring Doubters After Winning His Second NBA Championship With The Oklahoma City Thunder

Alex Caruso has never been one to chase the spotlight, but after winning his second NBA championship — this time with the Oklahoma City Thunder — the defensive ace couldn’t resist sending a pointed message to his critics. During the Thunder’s championship celebration, Caruso delivered a playful jab aimed squarely at those who have downplayed his first title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, often referred to as the “bubble ring.”

“Yeah, now I got a real one — now no one can say anything,” Caruso quipped, flashing his signature grin as confetti rained down at the Paycom Center. The comment, though delivered with humor, carried the weight of years of skepticism directed at the Lakers’ 2020 championship, won inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Caruso, the narrative around the bubble championship has followed him relentlessly. Despite playing a vital role in that Lakers squad — known for his defensive intensity, hustle plays, and underrated playmaking — critics frequently dismissed the title as less legitimate due to the unique conditions of the isolated environment, empty arenas, and unprecedented playoff format.

But now, in 2025, after playing a key role in the Thunder’s remarkable run to an NBA championship, Caruso finally feels vindicated.

From Undrafted to Two-Time Champion

Alex Caruso’s journey has always been about defying expectations. Undrafted in 2016, the Texas A&M product fought his way into the league through Summer League stints and G-League grind, eventually earning a two-way contract with the Lakers. His relentless work ethic, basketball IQ, and elite perimeter defense turned him into a fan favorite and an indispensable role player for Los Angeles.

His contributions during the 2020 playoffs were impossible to ignore for those who watched closely. Whether it was locking down opposing guards, making timely steals, or orchestrating the offense in spurts off the bench, Caruso proved his worth on the NBA’s biggest stage.

Yet, the “bubble” discourse never went away.

“People always got something to say,” Caruso reflected. “They said the bubble didn’t count, that it wasn’t the same. I never bought into that, but hey, now I got two — one outside the bubble — so they can keep quiet now.”

The Thunder’s Championship Run

Few predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder to emerge as champions this season. Led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising star Chet Holmgren, and a collection of hungry young talent, OKC took the league by storm with their blend of unselfish offense, switchable defense, and fearless mentality. But it was veterans like Caruso who provided the poise and experience that often separates contenders from champions.

After signing with the Thunder in the offseason, Caruso instantly carved out his niche as the defensive anchor off the bench. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, apply relentless ball pressure, and hit timely shots proved invaluable, especially during OKC’s playoff gauntlet that included series wins over seasoned squads like the Denver Nuggets and defending champion Boston Celtics.

Throughout the Finals, Caruso’s fingerprints were all over the Thunder’s triumph. In Game 4, with OKC clinging to a narrow lead, Caruso came up with a critical steal and assist to Gilgeous-Alexander that sealed the momentum. In Game 6, his gritty defense on the opposing team’s top scorers made life miserable for their perimeter threats.

By the time the final buzzer sounded in Game 6, there was no denying Caruso’s impact. His stat lines may not jump off the page, but anyone who watched the Finals knew his fingerprints were on every defensive stand, every hustle play, and every moment where composure was needed.

Silencing the Bubble Narrative

The 2020 NBA bubble was unprecedented. Amid a global pandemic, the league created a controlled environment at Disney World in Orlando to safely complete the season. No fans, no travel, no home-court advantage — just basketball.

For some, it was the purest form of competition; for others, the circumstances diminished the legitimacy of the Lakers’ triumph.

“Look, winning a championship is hard — period,” Caruso explained. “I don’t care if it’s in a packed arena or an empty gym. You’ve still got to compete, execute, and win against the best players in the world. I’ve always believed that ring was as real as it gets.”

Still, the jokes and debates persisted. Opposing fans, rival players, and even media figures occasionally tossed shade at bubble champions, dubbing the title as an asterisk achievement.

But Caruso never publicly fired back — until now.

With a second ring secured, earned over the course of an 82-game season, grueling playoff series, and road games in hostile environments, Caruso finally allowed himself to bask in the vindication.

“Two rings, two teams, two different journeys,” Caruso said proudly. “They both count, and nobody can take that away from me.”

Earning Respect Across the League

Over the years, Caruso has transformed from meme-worthy cult hero to respected veteran presence. Teammates rave about his leadership and accountability. Coaches trust him in critical moments. Opponents hate seeing him across from them on defense.

His impact isn’t always glamorous, but it’s undeniably effective.

“AC is a winner — simple as that,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault remarked after the Finals. “He defends, he communicates, he competes every second he’s on the floor. That’s championship DNA.”

Gilgeous-Alexander echoed that sentiment, crediting Caruso’s steady presence as a catalyst for OKC’s title run.

“Having a guy like Alex, who’s been there, done that — it changes everything,” SGA said. “He keeps us locked in, focused, and ready for the moment. The way he embraced his role here, it’s no surprise he’s a champion again.”

A Legacy Built on Grit

Caruso’s career trajectory has never been conventional. From the G-League to NBA champion, from undrafted to playoff hero, and now from bubble champion to back-to-back title holder — his story is one of perseverance, belief, and relentless hustle.

In many ways, his second championship validates not just his place in the league, but the hard-earned legitimacy of that 2020 title too.

“People can talk, that’s what they do,” Caruso shrugged. “But I know what I bring to a team. I know how hard it is to win at this level. The bubble, the Thunder — both journeys had their challenges. Both made me better. Both made me a champion.”

Now, with two championship rings — one from the most unique playoff run in NBA history, and another in a traditional, grueling season — Alex Caruso has cemented his legacy.

The debates will rage on, as they always do in the world of sports. But one thing is clear: Alex Caruso has silenced the doubters, proven the bubble ring counts, and added another chapter to one of basketball’s most underrated success stories.

“Yeah, now I got a real one — now no one can say anything,” Caruso laughed again, holding his Thunder championship trophy aloft.

For Alex Caruso, the doubters may keep talking — but the rings speak louder.