ESPN: Lakers’ Biggest Mistake Since 2020 Was Letting Go of 3-and-D Core That Anchored 2020 Championship Defense

The Los Angeles Lakers captured the NBA championship in the 2020 Orlando bubble with a near-perfect balance of star power and supporting talent. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis rightfully garnered the headlines, ESPN recently pointed out that one of the most underrated keys to that title run was the Lakers’ 3-and-D core — Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, and Alex Caruso.

In a detailed segment analyzing the Lakers’ post-title decisions, ESPN labeled the dismantling of that trio as the franchise’s most significant mistake since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. And now, nearly five years removed from their last championship, the Lakers are still searching for the identity and consistency that evaporated with their departure.

The Forgotten Heroes of 2020

Caldwell-Pope, Green, and Caruso didn’t light up the box score every night, but their contributions were essential. Together, they brought defensive toughness, floor spacing, and the kind of hustle plays that don’t always make the highlight reels but win playoff games.

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a reliable two-way presence. He averaged 10.7 points per game during the 2020 playoffs while shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. More importantly, his ability to chase guards around screens and take on tough perimeter assignments gave the Lakers flexibility in their defensive matchups.

• Danny Green, a two-time NBA champion before joining the Lakers, brought invaluable playoff experience. While he had his struggles shooting the ball during the 2020 run, his perimeter defense and leadership were vital for a relatively inexperienced supporting cast.

• Alex Caruso may have been the team’s spark plug off the bench, but he quickly became a fan favorite and an analytics darling. His defensive metrics were among the best on the team, and his chemistry with LeBron James — especially in transition — created numerous momentum-shifting plays.

The Breakup: One by One

Despite their obvious importance, all three were allowed to leave in the years that followed.

Danny Green was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2020 offseason as part of the deal that brought in Dennis Schröder. The Lakers hoped to add more shot creation with Schröder, but it came at the cost of one of their best defenders and a proven playoff performer.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was moved in the blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook during the 2021 offseason. That trade, which also included Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell, was intended to form a new Big Three with LeBron, AD, and Westbrook. Instead, it decimated the team’s depth, spacing, and defensive identity — three strengths that Caldwell-Pope epitomized.

Alex Caruso, perhaps the most avoidable loss, left in free agency during the same summer. The Lakers reportedly declined to match the four-year, $37 million offer he received from the Chicago Bulls — a move that shocked fans and analysts alike. Caruso went on to become one of the best defensive guards in the league and a key piece for Chicago.

The Fallout: A Decline in Identity and Consistency

Since the departure of those three core players, the Lakers have gone through a carousel of role players, often sacrificing defense for offense or vice versa. From Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony to Patrick Beverley and D’Angelo Russell, the team has struggled to find reliable two-way contributors.

Their defensive efficiency — once a hallmark of the 2020 squad — plummeted. In the 2019-2020 season, the Lakers ranked 3rd in defensive rating. By the 2021-22 season, they had fallen to 21st. Injuries to Davis and James contributed to the decline, but the absence of defensive-minded perimeter players made it difficult to establish any rhythm or scheme consistency.

The front office repeatedly tinkered with the roster in search of the right formula, but with each change, the team’s identity became more blurred. Even a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals in 2023 felt more like a temporary patch than a sustainable model.

Lessons Learned: The Value of Role Players

The NBA’s current landscape has reinforced the importance of 3-and-D players. From Bruce Brown’s impact with the 2023 Nuggets to Derrick White’s breakout season with the Celtics, it’s clear that teams can’t compete for titles on stars alone. The margins — often defined by elite role players — make the difference in a seven-game series.

Caldwell-Pope went on to win another title with Denver, validating his impact beyond L.A. Caruso became an All-Defensive First Team selection with Chicago. Green, while bouncing between teams, still provided solid depth and leadership.

For the Lakers, their post-2020 trajectory serves as a cautionary tale. The temptation to chase stars and big names overshadowed the fundamental need for continuity, chemistry, and defensive grit.

Recent Moves: Trying to Rebuild the Identity

The Lakers have made efforts to reclaim their defensive prowess. The additions of Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the re-signing of Austin Reaves were all aimed at regaining some of the lost two-way versatility. Rui Hachimura and Taurean Prince have provided sporadic value, but none have replicated the stability and chemistry that Caruso, Green, and Caldwell-Pope offered.

General Manager Rob Pelinka has acknowledged in past interviews that the franchise underestimated the value of certain role players. The organization’s attempts to rectify those errors suggest a growing awareness of the balance needed to win consistently at the highest level.

Could a Reunion Be in the Cards?

Speculation has occasionally swirled about possible reunions. Caldwell-Pope’s contract with the Nuggets expires after the 2025 season. Caruso’s name frequently appears in trade rumors as the Bulls contemplate a rebuild. While it’s unlikely that all three would return, even one familiar face could go a long way toward stabilizing the Lakers’ identity.

Fans continue to express their regret on social media, with highlight reels of Caruso steals and Green dagger threes resurfacing every time the Lakers struggle defensively.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but the evidence is clear: letting go of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, and Alex Caruso was a pivotal mistake that reshaped the Lakers’ fortunes for the worse.

Their departures didn’t just represent the loss of three good players — it marked the unraveling of a defensive identity that had made the Lakers champions.

As the team looks to maximize what remains of LeBron James’ career and usher in a new era with Anthony Davis and Luka Dončić, they’d be wise to remember the lesson of 2020: role players win rings too. And sometimes, the biggest stars shine brightest because of the foundation quietly built around them.