The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to let a valuable player walk in 2021 continues to haunt fans and analysts alike.
On Sunday, the NBA’s final four teams were established as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Game 7. The Thunder received big-time contributions from their core, including former Laker Alex Caruso, who finished the game with an absurd plus-40 plus-minus (game-high).
Oklahoma City’s celebratory day and Caruso’s masterclass off the bench had some Lakers observers feeling salty, including Lakers Nation host Trevor Lane, who posted this message to X on Sunday night:
“The Lakers letting Alex Caruso walk made no sense when it happened and has only looked worse as time has gone by.”
Lane has a point. Letting Caruso walk in 2021 free agency was a colossal mistake by the Lakers.
Caruso, a noted favorite of LeBron James (and virtually all Lakers fans), continues to be a defensive dynamo with a high basketball IQ.
His chemistry with James was pivotal during the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run in the Orlando bubble, where Caruso started the clinching game against the Miami Heat. Averaging 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over four seasons with LA, Caruso’s impact transcended stats.
In 2021, Caruso, an unrestricted free agent, reportedly tried to negotiate a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers, but they stuck to a three-year, $21 million offer, prioritizing luxury tax savings after acquiring Russell Westbrook.
This decision from LA’s front office pushed Caruso away from the Lakers, and he ultimately signed a four-year, $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, where he thrived, earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023 and Second Team in 2024. Caruso’s 2023-24 season saw career-highs of 10.1 points and 41.5 percent from three.
Traded to the Thunder on June 21, 2024, for Josh Giddey, Caruso has been a linchpin for OKC. Despite an injury-plagued season in 2024-25, he averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals over 54 games.
Caruso’s defensive versatility and leadership are helping to power OKC closer to a title, while Lakers fans are left lamenting a roster lacking his edge.
