"We nerfed Lulu because she had too much utility and disengage for her solo lane potential"

Wait...

Karma: -Heavy poke (but can be dodged/minion blocked pretty easily)

• Shields (single target or multiple targets but cuts a lot of damage out)
• Speed Boost (single or multiple target)

Lulu:

• Easy poke (cant be minion blocked or dodges as easily)
• Shields (single target)
• Speed Boost (single target)
• Instant-Stasis (polymorph that stops enemy from doing anything but move)
• AOE Knockup and Bonus Health

I feel as though Karma can't even be remotely compared to solo lane Lulu

Polymorph isn't instant (it's also a projectile) . Also Karma also has hard CC, granted delayed, and doesn't give up her shield or speed boost for it since they're both on the same ability so she's considerably better at peeling as well. And yes it's easier to dodge her poke but Karma has legit oneshot potential compared to Lulu. Karma's laning is also a LOT stronger in mid, and not much worse in top.