Los Angeles Lakers: DeMarcus Cousins is the biggest steal of offseason

Here is why DeMarcus Cousins was the biggest offseason steal for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The talk of town all summer for Los Angeles Lakers fans has been Anthony Davis, and rightfully so. However, the move of the offseason for the Lakers was signing DeMarcus Cousins. The reason being that they didn’t have to give up anything for him, and got him at an incredibly low price tag.

Cousins signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Cousins stated that he is completely healthy from a quad injury that slowed him down late in the season. The star center didn’t have the explosiveness we had seen from him in previous seasons, due to the achilles injury he suffered in 2018.

It’s understandable that the 28-year-old wasn’t himself in his first season back. Despite not being near 100 percent, Cousins was productive on the best team in the Western Conference. With the Warriors last year, he averaged 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in just under 26 minutes.

It was easily his least productive season statistically since 2013. From 2014-18 he averaged at least 24 points and 10 rebounds.

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One thing to consider is that if he played his normal 32-33 minutes a night, he would’ve easily put up 20 points and 10 rebounds a night. Cousins already looks in terrific shape heading into the season.

The Lakers don’t need Cousins to be the franchise player he was the last 6-7 years. The team just needs to play at a similar level as he did with Golden State in the regular season.

A big key is that Cousins is comfortable playing alongside Davis. The duo started down low with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017-18. Point guard Rajon Rondo also played with them. The familiarity with Rondo and Davis will make it an easier transition for Cousins.

Cousins will have easier opportunities and will not be double-teamed as often due to the attention that Davis, James, and Kyle Kuzma can draw.

Cousins brings a bit everything to the Lakers, particularly on the offensive end. He is a terrific scorer, who can make plays, and hit a jump shot. The one area that people aren’t talking about that Cousins brings to the table is passing. He averaged 5.4 assists in his last healthy season (2017-18). With the Lakers losing Lonzo Ball, and not adding playmakers, Cousins can make some plays for others in half-court sets.

The signing of Cousins wasn’t for defensive purposes. Fortunately they have All-NBA defender in Davis to protect the paint. Despite not being known as a defender, Cousins does average 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in his career. Cousins has a knack for reading passing lanes similarly to Paul Millsap. It’s not common for a big to average that many steals.

If DeMarcus Cousins can stay healthy, that alone will make him the biggest haul of the offseason. The Lakers paid him pennies compared to how other “stars” are being paid. It’s mind-boggling that other teams didn’t offer him some money.

As a result, Cousins will come in with even a bigger chip on his shoulder, and making people pay. He will have a big season for the purple and gold, take that to the bank!