The downfall of the LeBron James-era for the Los Angeles Lakers did not start with injuries, trades, or age. It started with a decision that seemed minor at the time.
Back in the summer of 2021, the Lakers made the choice to let Alex Caruso walk in free agency while handing a new contract to Talen Horton-Tucker, a Klutch Sports client. That was the turning point.
It was not a huge headline at the time, but it should have been. Caruso had just come off a championship season where he played a major role.
He was not just a fan favorite; he was one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, a guy who made life easier for stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis without ever needing the ball.