Los Angeles Lakers' Toughest Player Departures In The LeBron James Era

Since LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, the team has undergone major roster changes, losing several key players along the way. While the Lakers have experienced success, including a championship in 2020, the departures of critical contributors have reshaped the team year after year. From defensive specialists like Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to emerging talents like Malik Monk and Lonnie Walker IV, each loss has impacted the Lakers in unique ways. As the franchise looks toward the future, it’s worth reflecting on some of the most significant player exits of the LeBron James era and how they’ve affected the team's trajectory.

1. Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso’s departure from the Lakers in 2021 was one of the most significant losses of the LeBron James era, both on and off the court. Caruso was beloved by Lakers fans, not only for his scrappy play and hustle but also for his ability to perform in high-pressure moments. As an undrafted player, Caruso worked his way up through the G-League, earning his spot in the Lakers’ rotation with his relentless defense and ability to make smart plays. His chemistry with LeBron was evident, and his contributions were key during the Lakers' 2020 championship run.

Caruso’s stats may not have been eye-popping, but his impact was undeniable. During the 2019-20 season, he averaged 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the regular season. However, it was his defense that made him indispensable. Caruso posted a defensive rating of 103.5 in the 2020 playoffs, one of the best among Lakers guards, and his ability to guard opposing teams’ best perimeter players took pressure off LeBron and Anthony Davis on the defensive end. He also hit timely shots, finishing the 2020 playoffs with a 42.9% shooting percentage from the field.

In 2021, Caruso signed a four-year, $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls after the Lakers decided not to match the offer. His departure was largely due to salary cap issues, but it left a huge void in the Lakers’ backcourt. Without Caruso, the team lost one of its best perimeter defenders, and it showed in the 2021-22 season, as the Lakers' defense struggled mightily. His absence also impacted the team’s energy and chemistry, as Caruso was often the spark off the bench who could change the momentum of games with his hustle plays.

Since joining the Bulls ( on the Thunder for the 2024-25 season ), Caruso has continued to excel as one of the league’s top defensive guards. In the 2022-23 season, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, a testament to his growth and value on that end of the floor. His departure from the Lakers wasn’t just the loss of a role player; it was the loss of a fan favorite and a crucial piece of the team’s identity during their championship run.

2. Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma's departure in 2021 marked the end of an era for one of the few young players the Lakers had kept after LeBron James arrived. Kuzma was drafted by the Lakers in 2017 and quickly became a key contributor, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in his debut season. Known for his scoring ability and versatility, Kuzma averaged 16.1 points per game over his first two seasons, making him one of the Lakers' most promising young talents. Yet, with LeBron's arrival and the team’s win-now approach, Kuzma's role shifted, and he was asked to focus more on defense and playmaking rather than being the go-to scorer.

Kuzma was instrumental in the Lakers' 2020 championship run. While his scoring numbers dipped to 12.8 points per game that season, he became a more well-rounded player. He improved his defense, something that was crucial in the Lakers’ playoff matchups, especially in switching situations. Kuzma also showed his value as a rebounder, averaging 4.5 rebounds per game, and his ability to hit shots helped keep defenses honest. Despite being the third or fourth option in most games, his contributions were vital to the team’s success.

In 2021, Kuzma was part of the blockbuster trade that sent him, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook. The trade was controversial, as many believed Kuzma still had room to grow and could have thrived in a more consistent role. His departure left the Lakers without a versatile forward who could both stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. Moreover, Kuzma’s ability to play both as a starter and off the bench provided the Lakers with flexibility that they have since struggled to replace.

Since joining the Wizards, Kuzma has shown significant improvement in his all-around game. In the past season, he averaged 22.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, proving that his scoring touch is still very much alive. His increased role in Washington has allowed him to showcase his ability to carry an offense, something he couldn’t fully do with the Lakers. Kuzma’s departure, while necessary to acquire a star like Westbrook, is still viewed as one of the moves that cost the Lakers valuable depth and versatility in their lineup.

3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played a crucial role during the Lakers' 2020 championship run. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide reliable perimeter defense made him an essential piece in the Lakers' success. During the 2020 playoffs, KCP averaged 10.7 points per game and shot 37.8% from beyond the arc, stepping up in key moments when the team needed him most. His timely shooting and defensive intensity, especially against elite perimeter players, helped alleviate the pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

One of KCP's most memorable performances came in Game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, where he delivered clutch three-pointers and crucial defensive plays to secure a pivotal victory for the Lakers. His contributions went beyond the stat sheet; he was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorers, allowing the Lakers' stars to focus on their offensive roles.

In 2021, KCP was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal that brought Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles. His departure left a significant hole in the Lakers' defense and outside shooting. After joining the Wizards, he maintained his status as a dependable two-way player before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2022, where he played a critical role in their 2023 championship run. In Denver, KCP’s defense, three-point shooting, and veteran leadership helped the Nuggets secure their first NBA title, showing that his value as a 3-and-D player extended far beyond his time with the Lakers.

As of the 2024 offseason, KCP signed with the Orlando Magic , where he’s expected to bring his championship experience and defensive prowess to a young and promising roster. His ability to play both ends of the floor at a high level has made him one of the most respected role players in the league.

4. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard’s contributions to the Lakers during the LeBron James era cannot be overstated. After joining the team in 2019, Howard played a pivotal role in the Lakers' 2020 championship run, bringing much-needed interior defense, rebounding, and veteran experience to the roster. Howard’s impact was most felt on the defensive end, where he averaged 1.1 blocks per game during the regular season and provided physicality in the paint. His ability to guard bigger players and protect the rim gave the Lakers a strong defensive foundation, allowing Anthony Davis to focus on scoring and versatility.

During the 2020 playoffs, Howard was especially crucial in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Tasked with defending Nikola Jokic, Howard’s physicality and experience disrupted the Nuggets’ offensive flow, helping the Lakers advance to the NBA Finals. Throughout the postseason, Howard embraced his role as a bench player, providing energy and effort whenever called upon. His unselfishness and willingness to play a supporting role proved invaluable as the Lakers secured their 17th NBA title.

After the 2020 championship, Howard left the Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, but was brought him back for the 2021-22 season, hoping to recapture some of the magic from their title run. However, the second stint wasn’t as successful. The Lakers struggled with injuries and chemistry issues, and Howard’s impact was less pronounced. In 2022, Howard left the NBA and eventually signed with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan, marking the end of his NBA career for the time being.

Enjoying success overseas, Howard never returned to the NBA, and his legacy with the Lakers remains tied to that successful 2020 championship run. His departure from the league left the Lakers without a dominant interior presence off the bench, and while his stints in Los Angeles were brief, his role in helping secure a title will always be remembered fondly by Lakers fans.

5. Danny Green

Danny Green's time with the Los Angeles Lakers may have been brief, but his impact during the 2020 championship run was undeniable. As a proven two-time NBA champion by the time he joined the Lakers, Green brought championship experience, defense, and shooting to a team that needed those exact qualities to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His reputation as a 3-and-D specialist made him one of the most valuable role players on the roster, and his contributions on both ends of the floor played a crucial role in the Lakers’ success.

In the 2019-20 regular season, Green averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 36.7% from three-point range. While his shooting numbers weren’t always consistent, Green’s ability to space the floor and defend elite wings was critical. His defense was particularly important in matchups against teams with high-scoring guards and forwards, as Green often took on the challenge of guarding the opposition’s best player. His veteran leadership also brought stability to the Lakers’ locker room during a season marked by the pressure of championship expectations.

One of Green’s defining moments came in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, where he knocked down three triples and provided strong defense on the perimeter. His ability to hit his shots, even during stretches of poor shooting, kept defenses honest and allowed LeBron and Davis to operate with more space. Though he faced criticism for missing a potential game-winning shot in Game 5 of the Finals, his overall contributions throughout the season and playoffs were essential to the Lakers’ 17th championship.

After the 2020 title, Green was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a deal that brought Dennis Schroder to the Lakers. His departure left the Lakers without a reliable wing defender and three-point shooter, which significantly impacted their ability to stretch the floor in the following season. After leaving Los Angeles, Green played his role for contending teams, although injuries slowed him down during the 2023-24 season. Despite this, his legacy with the Lakers remains tied to his role in helping them capture the 2020 championship.

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6. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo’s presence during the Lakers' 2020 championship run earned him the nickname "Playoff Rondo" for his ability to elevate his game in crucial postseason moments. Rondo brought invaluable playoff experience, leadership, and playmaking to the Lakers, filling a critical need for a secondary ball handler behind LeBron James. Despite coming off the bench, Rondo's impact was evident throughout the 2019-20 season, as he averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game in the regular season.

It was in the playoffs that Rondo truly shined. In the 2020 postseason, he increased his production, averaging 8.9 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 40% from three-point range—well above his career average. Rondo’s ability to orchestrate the offense and take pressure off LeBron was crucial, especially in tight games. He was often tasked with controlling the tempo and setting up key plays, allowing LeBron to focus on scoring and attacking in transition. His basketball IQ and knack for making clutch plays were on full display during the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals.

One of Rondo’s standout performances came in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, where he scored 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including two three-pointers, helping the Lakers clinch the championship. His leadership on the court was matched by his presence in the locker room, as he often acted as a vocal leader, holding teammates accountable and maintaining focus during the high-pressure playoff run.

Rondo left the Lakers after the championship, signing with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2020-21 season. His departure was short-lived still, as he returned to the Lakers in the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately, his second stint didn’t have the same magic as the first, as injuries and inconsistency plagued the team. Rondo was eventually traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers midway through the season, and his impact on the Lakers was never quite the same. His initial departure, though, left the team without a veteran floor general, and the Lakers struggled to replicate his leadership and playoff production in subsequent seasons.

7. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol’s time with the Lakers may have been brief, but his veteran presence and basketball IQ were significant assets during the 2020-21 season. Signed as a free agent in November 2020, Gasol was brought in to replace Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee, providing a different skill set from the traditional big men the Lakers had used the previous season. Known for his elite passing and high basketball IQ, Gasol was expected to anchor the Lakers’ offense with his ability to stretch the floor and facilitate from the center position.

During the season, Gasol averaged 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. Although his numbers didn’t jump off the page, his ability to space the floor and act as a secondary playmaker was invaluable for the Lakers, particularly when LeBron James was resting. Defensively, Gasol provided strong rim protection and positional defense, despite his age and declining athleticism. His experience and leadership helped stabilize the Lakers during an injury-riddled season.

For all that, Gasol’s role with the team diminished after the Lakers acquired Andre Drummond late in the season. Drummond took over as the starting center, and Gasol’s minutes were reduced, which led to some frustration from the veteran. Amid the reduced role, Gasol remained professional and continued to contribute when called upon, especially in key moments during the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting was crucial in certain matchups, and his passing remained an asset.

Following the 2020-21 season, the Lakers traded Gasol to the Memphis Grizzlies in a salary cap move, after which he was waived and returned to Spain to continue his basketball career. His departure left the Lakers without a versatile big man who could stretch the floor and provide high-level playmaking from the center position. While Gasol’s tenure with the Lakers was short, his presence and skill set were missed in the following seasons.

8. Avery Bradley

Avery Bradley’s departure from the Lakers was significant, particularly because of his role in the team’s elite defense during the 2019-20 season. Known for his tenacious perimeter defense, Bradley was often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best guards, providing a much-needed defensive presence in the Lakers' backcourt. Although he opted out of the NBA bubble during the 2020 playoffs, Bradley’s contributions during the regular season were vital in helping the Lakers secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

In the 2019-20 regular season, Bradley averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 36.4% from three-point range. His ability to knock down shots from deep and defend at a high level made him a perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Bradley opted out of the 2020 NBA bubble due to health concerns, and although the Lakers went on to win the championship without him, his absence was felt on the defensive end. His decision to sit out the playoffs led to questions about his future with the team, and he eventually signed with the Miami Heat for the 2020-21 season. His departure left the Lakers without a strong perimeter defender, and while they were able to fill the gap with other players, his presence as a defensive stopper was missed, particularly against teams with elite guard play.

Bradley briefly returned to the Lakers in the 2021-22 season, but by then, the team was struggling with injuries and inconsistency. His second stint with the team didn’t have the same impact as his first, and the Lakers were unable to replicate the defensive intensity that had helped them win the championship in 2020. By that point, Bradley’s role in the league had diminished, and his departure from the Lakers marked the loss of one of their most reliable perimeter defenders during the LeBron James era.

9. Malik Monk

Malik Monk's brief stint with the Lakers during the 2021-22 season was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise turbulent year for the team. Signed to a veteran minimum contract, Monk quickly became a fan favorite for his dynamic scoring ability and his knack for hitting big shots. Over the course of the season, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, shooting an impressive 39.1% from beyond the arc. His scoring provided much-needed relief, especially when LeBron James or Anthony Davis were sidelined due to injuries.

Monk’s explosive offensive performances helped the Lakers stay competitive in many games. His ability to create his own shot, shoot from deep, and finish at the rim made him one of the most reliable scoring options for the team. Despite his solid play, the Lakers were unable to retain him in the offseason due to salary cap constraints, and Monk signed a two-year, $19 million deal with the Sacramento Kings in 2022.

In Sacramento, Monk continued to thrive, and by the end of the 2023-24 season, he posted career-highs of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. His performance earned him a runner-up finish in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2024. Monk’s improvement as a playmaker and scorer made him a key figure in the Kings’ offense. In July, he signed a four-year, $78 million extension with the Kings, turning down the possibility of more lucrative offers in free agency in favor of staying with a team and environment where he felt at home.

Monk's departure from the Lakers left a significant void in terms of scoring off the bench, and his ability to generate offense is something the team has struggled to replace. His success in Sacramento underscores the value he brought to the Lakers during his brief tenure and the missed opportunity of not being able to retain him.

10. Lonnie Walker IV

Lonnie Walker IV's departure from the Lakers after the 2022-23 season came after a memorable but brief stint with the team, during which he delivered one of the most electrifying playoff performances in recent Lakers history. Signed by the Lakers on a one-year deal during the 2022 offseason, Walker was brought in to provide athleticism, scoring, and depth on the wing. Throughout the regular season, Walker played a solid role for the team, averaging 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while shooting 36.5% from three-point range.

Yet, it was in the 2023 playoffs where Walker cemented his legacy with the Lakers. His standout performance came in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Golden State Warriors. With the Lakers trailing in the fourth quarter, Walker erupted for 15 points in the final period, helping the Lakers secure a pivotal win and eventually take the series. His clutch performance was praised by LeBron James and became a defining moment of the Lakers’ playoff run. Walker’s combination of athleticism, confidence, and scoring made him a fan favorite during that postseason stretch.

Despite his impactful contributions, Walker left the Lakers in the 2023 offseason, signing with the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year contract. His departure left the Lakers without a dynamic scoring option off the bench, and his breakout playoff performance showed what he could bring to a contending team.

Lonnie Walker’s departure was significant because it showcased the Lakers' struggle to keep promising role players who stepped up in critical moments. While his time with the Lakers was short, his Game 4 heroics in the 2023 playoffs are a lasting memory for fans and a reminder of his potential.

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