Lakers Rumors: Team expected to try and sign DeMarcus Cousins

Recent Lakers rumors have been about who they will be targeting in free agency this offseason. Will DeMarcus Cousins be on that list?

There have been plenty of Lakers rumors in recent weeks about who is on the trading block prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. With a desire to land big-name free agents this offseason, the Lakers are looking to make as much cap space as possible.

Mostly, the Lakers’ interest has been linked to LeBron James and Paul George for next offseason. With James being unlikely, George is the more likely candidate for the Lakers this offseason.

In addition to those two, there are other players that will also be available this offseason. One of the other notable players is DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans last season from the Sacramento Kings in a big trade.

As an upcoming free agent, Cousins can be offered the max by the Pelicans and remain teammates with the very talented Anthony Davis. Even though signing Cousins might be a long shot for the Lakers, they are expected to make according to Marc Stein of the New York Times. Here’s what Stein had to say on the Dunc’d On Podcast with Nate Duncan with text via LakersNation.com.

"“I think most teams around the league believe that the Pelicans will re-sign Cousins unless he doesn’t want to stay there. I think the Pelicans are the clear favorite. Now I would say there’s an expectation and maybe it’s even speculation on the part of rival teams, but I’ve heard Dallas and the Lakers mentioned most frequently that those are teams that are expected, whatever expected means, to make a run at him.”"

Cousins will be the best big-man set to hit free agency this season, and that will certainly be a need for the Lakers. While LeBron James and Paul George are both elite players, they do both play on the wing, where the Lakers already have some budding young stars in Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma.

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Since Brook Lopez has been a disappointment and will almost certainly not be on the team next season, Cousins could be a great fit as the starting center next season. With a complete arsenal on the offensive end, Cousins would certainly fit in well with the Lakers.