Lakers’ Decision to Let Alex Caruso Walk Still Echoes Through the Franchise

Alex Caruso is one of the Lakers’ biggest mistakes of the last decade – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)

The Los Angeles Lakers passed on retaining Alex Caruso after the 2021 season, allowing the defensive specialist to sign elsewhere in free agency. That choice has drawn renewed attention as Caruso has continued to excel with subsequent teams. Observers point to his contributions during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run as evidence that the front office underestimated his value at the time.

A Championship Contributor Who Slipped Away

Caruso played a supporting role in the Lakers’ title-winning campaign, providing energy and perimeter defense alongside stars like LeBron James. His willingness to accept a modest contract extension reportedly went unheeded, leading him to join the Chicago Bulls on a four-year deal worth $37 million. The Lakers instead offered a shorter, lower-value agreement that failed to keep him in Los Angeles. This departure occurred amid broader roster adjustments following the championship. Caruso had developed strong chemistry with the team’s core, yet the organization prioritized other spending priorities. Fans and analysts have since revisited the move as one that limited depth in the years that followed.

Performance Trends That Fuel the Discussion

After leaving, Caruso established himself as a reliable starter and defensive anchor. He earned All-Defensive Team honors in consecutive seasons while with the Bulls. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the glass stood out in regular-season and playoff settings alike. Recent playoff appearances have amplified the contrast. In the 2025 postseason, Caruso delivered standout efforts that helped advance his team deep into the Western Conference bracket. Those moments prompted fresh commentary on what the Lakers might have retained had they matched the market value for his services.

Front Office Context and Fan Reaction

The Lakers faced luxury-tax constraints that influenced many roster decisions around that period. Management viewed Caruso as replaceable through the draft or other acquisitions, a calculation that has faced scrutiny in hindsight. Social media and broadcast discussions have highlighted the gap between the player’s on-court impact and the organization’s initial assessment. Several observers noted that Caruso expressed interest in remaining with the Lakers at a reduced rate. The decision to move on instead opened the door for his continued growth elsewhere, a pattern that has repeated in similar free-agency situations across the league.

Looking Ahead for the Franchise

The episode serves as a reminder of how marginal roster choices can compound over time. The Lakers have pursued comparable defensive wings in subsequent offseasons, yet the original opportunity with Caruso remains a reference point for supporters. As the team continues its pursuit of sustained contention, the lessons from that 2021 summer continue to inform evaluations of future personnel moves.