Lakers Rumors: Team is a wildcard for DeMarcus Cousins in free agency

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve the team’s free agency plans, as Los Angeles is a wild card for DeMarcus Cousins.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors are going to pick up in the coming weeks. While the NBA Playoffs are underway, the Lakers are preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft. Los Angeles held their first pre-draft workouts earlier this week.

The Lakers own the No. 25 and No. 47 picks in the draft. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka will look to add to their young core with those selections. While finding impact players later in the draft isn’t easy, the Laker have done well later in the draft.

Last year, the Lakers landed Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart at No. 27 and No. 30. Larry Nance Jr. was 27th in 2015. Jordan Clarkson was a second-round pick in 2014.

Los Angeles finds talent in the draft no matter where they are picking. Where they will be looking to make a dent this offseason will be in July.

Last summer, the Lakers weren’t very active in free agency. This year, they are looking to make some noise in free agency.

More from Lake Show Life

The master plan for Los Angeles has always been to land two max free agents in 2018. With a free agent class that includes the likes of Paul George and LeBron James, this is as good a summer as any to get big game hunting in free agency.

The Lakers have made enough moves to have a chance to sign max free agents. If they make a few more moves, such as ridding themselves as Luol Deng‘s contract, the Lakers could sign two max free agents this offseason.

That would help push the Lakers rebuild forward. If they are able to land a player of the caliber of George or James, they would quickly move up the ranks in the Western Conference. Another name to keep an eye on in free agency is DeMarcus Cousins.

Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in late January. Prior to that, he was producing at an MVP level, averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks. Cousins is arguably the most dominant center in the NBA and will be 28 when the 2018-19 regular season begins.

The team that signs Cousins this offseason will be getting him right in his prime. However, the Achilles injury will complicate things. He also has some baggage, but the performance on the court is undeniable.

Almost every team would improve with a player of Cousins’ caliber on their roster. Zach Lowe of ESPN reports that most teams with max salary space won’t be chasing Cousins. However, he mentions the Lakers as a wild card team to watch for.

"There may be only two suitors among the cap-room brigade: the Mavericks and the Lakers. And L.A.’s interest is unclear. If the Lakers whiff on LeBron and Paul George, they may want to keep their cap room open for 2019 and beyond — meaning no fat long-term deal for Cousins."

This is a huge offseason for the Lakers. They have a budding young core that they are looking to take to the next level with some veteran talent. If they play their cards right, they can improve the talent on the court this upcoming season and still keep flexibility for next summer and beyond as well.

Cousins would be an excellent addition to the Lakers, but only a certain price. There is no doubt that Cousins is a talented player. However, his injury is a devastating one.

Los Angeles would probably be better off spending their money elsewhere. Cousins represents a major risk that is not worth taking. The Lakers are still a few pieces away from being a contender, so they have to show some caution in free agency.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers Ultimate Guide to 2018 Offseason

Cousins represents a high risk, high reward option. If the Lakers are going to be handing out any max contracts this offseason, they will want something that is closer to a sure thing.

Home/Lakers Free Agency