Recent Lakers rumors are that a Western Conference executive believes that DeMarcus Cousins will be a consolation prize for the Lakers or the Knicks.
With the NBA Playoffs in full swing, recent Lakers rumors have been about what will happen for the team in their search for a new head coach. As of now, the Lakers are doing their best to find the guy that can lead the team.
After the Lakers find their head coach, they will be turning their attention to the NBA Draft and free agency. With both a lottery pick and cap space this offseason, the Lakers can really improve a team that already has talent in place.
With a lot of star players set to be available in free agency, the Lakers will be hoping to land an All-Star. However, a recent report by Ken Berger of Bleacher Report has DeMarcus Cousins going to either the Lakers or the Knicks as a consolation prize.
"“He’ll be the Lakers’ or the Knicks’ consolation prize,” one of the Western Conference execs said."
One has to feel bad for Cousins, who was coming back from a torn achilles. In the series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Cousins suffered a torn quad, which is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the playoffs.
After working his way back from the torn achilles, Cousins was starting to regain his All-Star form with the Warriors. Unfortunately now, Cousins will likely not get the long-term, big deal that he was seeking. In fact, we could see Cousins once again take a prove-it one-year deal like he did this season.
For the Lakers, adding Cousins would be very appealing. As a center that can stretch the floor, Cousins would fit nicely alongside LeBron James. Also, center could be a position of need for the Lakers this offseason with JaVale McGee being a free agent.
While it all comes down to Cousins’ health, he could be a good addition for the Lakers. They will certainly be aiming a bit higher, but landing on Cousins as a consolation prize wouldn’t be awful if the price is right.