LeBron James told Alex Caruso and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to "go get another one" following the conclusion of the Lakers-Thunder playoff series [1].
The exchange highlights James' role as a veteran mentor and the complex relationships between former teammates who face each other in high-stakes postseason competition.
The interaction occurred at the arena in Oklahoma City after Game 4 on May 4, 2024 [1, 2]. At that point in the series, the Thunder held a 3-1 lead [2]. James used the moment to show support and encourage his former teammates to pursue another championship after a hard-fought series [1, 3].
"Go get another one," James said to Alex Caruso and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander [1].
Reports regarding the interaction vary slightly. Some sources indicate James addressed Caruso only, while others state both Caruso and Gilgeous-Alexander were included in the message [1, 3]. Additionally, while some reports describe the event as following a first-round exit [2], others refer to it as a second-round series [3].
"He just wanted to give them a little love after the series," a Lakers insider said [2].
The gesture came despite the physical and mental intensity of the matchup. Heavy.com noted that James went out of his way to show love to Caruso after the players became hostile multiple times during the series [3].
By offering these words of encouragement, James acknowledged the skill of his opponents while maintaining a bond with players he previously led in Los Angeles. The moment served as a bridge between the competitive nature of the NBA playoffs and the lifelong professional ties formed within the league.
“"Go get another one," LeBron James said to Alex Caruso and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.”
This interaction underscores the 'brotherhood' culture within the NBA, where elite players maintain personal mentorships and friendships that transcend team rivalries. By encouraging Caruso and Gilgeous-Alexander to seek further championships, James reinforces his legacy not just as a player, but as a foundational figure in the league who influences the ambitions of the next generation of stars.
