The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone numerous changes this decade alone. They started off the decade on a strong note, winning their 17th NBA title led by their superstar LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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All signs pointed to the Lakers being a title contender for the next half-decade. However, the decisions by the front office have derailed that.
The Lakers' front office has made some questionable calls in the past five years, but none may be more derailing than letting go of their fierce on-ball defender, Alex Caruso.
Many were baffled by the decision not to keep Carsuo on the roster, including NBA and Lakers legend Magic Johnson. On a recent appearance on ESPN's First Take, Johnson revealed how he begged the Lakers to do everything they could to retain Carsuo on the roster.
When Caruso's current team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, clinched the NBA Finals, Johnson was one of the first to take to X and congratulate Caruso.
"Congratulations former Laker and NBA champion Alex Caruso who now plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and is headed to the NBA Finals!"
Caruso's relentless energy, effort, and hard-nosed style were a major part of the Lakers' championship success - and now, those same traits could help lift the Thunder to a title of their own.
The 31-year-old had an interest in a Lakers reunion, but financial constraints, luxury tax concerns, and what seemed like a lack of proper appreciation from the front office ultimately led to the team moving on. Since then, the Lakers have struggled to reclaim that same edge, missing the kind of impact and toughness Caruso consistently brought.
It's a decision that continues to loom over the Lakers - especially now that he's thriving on a legitimate contender in the West.
Although Johnson did his best to provide the Lakers with some wisdom, he was no longer part of the front office. Johnson was the president of basketball operations for the Lakers from February 2017 to April 2019.
He abruptly stepped down, and his tenure was marked by public support and internal struggle, which ultimately led to his decision to leave his role. Johnson is a Laker through and through, and whether he has a role with the team or not, his opinion will always matter to the Lakers' brass and to their fans.
The decision not to keep Carsuo was a determinantal one, and that's proving to be the case thus far.
Caruso spent the first four seasons of his career in L.A.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 10:52 AM.