Los Angeles Lakers: DeMarcus Cousins wants to play all 82 games

DeMarcus Cousins of the Los Angeles Lakers recently spoke about one of his goals heading into the season.

After the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on signing Kawhi Leonard, they did a very nice job filling out the rest of their roster with some quality players. Due to Leonard waiting for quite a while after the start of free agency to make his decision, there was some concern about who the Lakers would target if they missed out on him.

However, a lot of credit has to go out to the organization for doing a nice job filling out the roster. One of the very high upside signings that the Lakers made was bringing in DeMarcus Cousins.

After tearing his achilles with the New Orleans Pelicans, Cousins took a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors last season. It took Cousins a while to come back from the injury, but he began to show signs that he was coming around toward the end of the season. Unfortunately, Cousins then tore his quad in the playoffs.

With injuries being a bit of a concern with Cousins, he is focused on getting in great shape this offseason. One of his goals is to play in all 82 games for the Lakers. Here’s what Cousins said via Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll.

"“I’m getting stronger, getting in better shape. My plan is to come into camp in tip-top shape. My goal is to play 82 games this season,” Cousins said. “I want a full season of health and going to the playoffs, and whatever happens, happens.”"

When healthy, Cousins is one of the best big men in the NBA. He has made numerous All-Star teams, and can hurt an opponent from the inside or the outside on the offensive end. The Lakers also have a few players that are very familiar with Cousins, as Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo both played with Cousins in New Orleans. If not for the injury to Cousins, they had the makings of a contender that season.

Seeing Cousins working hard to get in shape for next season is a very encouraging sign. Since he is on another one-year deal, Cousins will likely be trying to use this season to prove that he can be that All-Star caliber player once again. If he stays healthy, Cousins could be a great addition for the Lakers.