Context:

The Los Angeles Lakers had the opportunity to retain Alex Caruso by paying him $9 million per year, but instead, they allowed him to join the Chicago Bulls after the 2020-21 season. The decision was based on their preference to keep Talen Horton-Tucker, which in hindsight, proved to be a misstep. Caruso's performance metrics, particularly when playing with LeBron James, highlighted his value as a defensive asset capable of influencing game outcomes. This choice might have impacted the Lakers' current standing, as Caruso's defensive prowess could have bolstered their lineup. Caruso's reflection on his time with the Lakers suggests a sense of nostalgia and what might have been had he remained with the team alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Dive Deeper:

• Alex Caruso was offered a $9 million per year contract by the Lakers, but they chose not to retain him, leading to his departure to the Chicago Bulls post the 2020-21 season. This decision was driven by the Lakers' preference for Talen Horton-Tucker, who was seen as a more intriguing talent at the time.

• The decision to let Caruso go and keep Horton-Tucker backfired, as Caruso's on/off-court numbers demonstrated significant value, especially in games where LeBron James was active. Caruso's defensive capabilities were underestimated, and his departure is now viewed as a loss for the Lakers.

• Following his stint with the Bulls, Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing to their playoff performance. His defensive skills have proven to be influential in game outcomes, emphasizing the Lakers' oversight in letting him go.

• Caruso has expressed fond memories and a sense of camaraderie with former Lakers teammates LeBron James and Austin Reaves, indicating that he occasionally reflects on the missed potential of staying with the team.

• The narrative around Caruso's exit from the Lakers highlights a broader discussion about team management decisions and the long-term impact of player retention and trades on a team's success.

• Oh, what could've been.

• The Lakers had Alex Caruso and just had to pay him $9 million per year to keep him into a new season.

• Instead, they let Caruso walk in free agency and join the Chicago Bulls after the 2020-21 season.

• The Bulls eventually traded Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who just played their first game of the second round on Monday night.

• It never had to be this way, and if Caruso had stayed, perhaps LeBron and Luka would still be playing.

• MORE: Knicks' trades meant specifically to beat Celtics pay off

• Why didn't Lakers keep Alex Caruso?

  The Lakers didn't want to pay Caruso.

• They preferred to keep Talen Horton-Tucker as far as intriguing wing talents go.

• That backfired, clearly, and even at the time it was a bit odd.

• All of Caruso's on/off numbers were great, especially in LeBron's action on the floor.

• L.A. probably felt like there was more upside to be found elsewhere. But it turns out a defender of Caruso's ability is more than enough to win games, too.

• MORE: Jalen Brunson's 4th-quarter stats are insane

• Alex Caruso Lakers comments

  The most notable thing Caruso said since leaving the Lakers came in early 2024 via Fox Sports.

• He said, "We've been through a lot together. Always good seeing them. Every now and then you think about what could've been."

• That was about LeBron James and Austin Reaves as old friends of Caruso.

• The Lakers sure could've used him this time around.