With the Los Angeles Lakers off to a disappointing 3-4 start to the NBA season, trade rumors surrounding former fan favorite Alex Caruso have resurfaced. Caruso, who reportedly played a key role in the Lakers' 2020 championship run, is also being watched by the Bulls, who have struggled for consistency this season.

An Eastern Conference executive revealed in an interview with Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney that the Lakers regret letting Caruso leave as a free agent in 2021:

"The rumor around the Lakers is that they regretted letting him leave almost immediately after it happened. They knew it was a mistake.

The executive further emphasized Caruso's defensive grit and hustle, something the Lakers currently lack:

"He's not the same as he used to be, but the Lakers are concerned they don't have enough players. He could help with that."

Caruso was a draft pick who spent his first four seasons in Los Angeles before becoming a determined, aggressive player on defense for the Lakers. His contributions will be crucial to their path to a title in 2020.

Following his breakout season, Caruso signed a four-year, $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls in 2021. However, the Bulls didn't live up to expectations during Caruso's tenure, finishing sixth in the East in his first season and 10th in the East in his second. Next season.

The Bulls started the season with a 3-5 record, raising questions about their direction and possibly paving the way for a rebuild. If the Bulls decide to trade veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic, Caruso could be a prime target for the Lakers looking to regain him.

Caruso is currently averaging 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 caps and 0.9 three-pointers per game on 54.3 percent shooting in eight games.

Regarding potential trade scenarios, the Eastern Conference executive suggested Lakers prospects Jalen Hood Scifino and Max Christie as potential trade bait. However, the Lakers are reportedly not willing to give up a first-round pick in any potential deal:

"They wouldn't give up a pick, but if they wait until Dec. 15, they could give up Hood Scifino and another contract. Or Max Christie, who has some value.

Despite the Lakers' potential interest, the executive warned that the competition for Caruso will be fierce:

"'Salivating' is the perfect word for him. ...... Half the teams in the league will make him an offer."

"There are a lot of teams looking at this situation and they're looking at Caruso more than anyone else on the roster. It's just a matter of when the Bulls are ready to make a change and ready to let him go."

The Lakers' pursuit of Caruso depends on the Bulls' willingness to trade him and their asking price. If the Bulls decide to give up on Caruso, the Lakers could reunite with the defensive guard to bolster their perimeter defense and add a much-needed spark to their struggling season.