Los Angeles Lakers: Should they waive DeMarcus Cousins?

DeMarcus Cousin suffered a torn ACL and he is likely to miss the entire 2019-20 season. Should the Los Angeles Lakers cut him off the roster to make space for another player?

DeMarcus Cousins looked like an exciting signing at a bargain deal for the Los Angeles Lakers, but events plummeted quickly with a season-ending injury and legal issues for the big man.

Let’s review the events in order.

On Aug. 15 Cousins suffered a devastating torn ACL which put an end to his Lakers season before it was even started. It is the third major injury he suffers in his left leg in two years.

15 days later, an arrest warrant was issued for Cousins on misdemeanor domestic violence. He was recorded threatening the mom of his seven-year-old son. The charge might cost him up to one year in jail.

In retrospect, the Lakers were really wise to sign him to a one-year, $3.5 million dollars, working on the assumption there was a chance he might not be a contributor to the team’s cause. Indeed, they were right.

A torn ACL takes 6-9 months to a return on the court, and in Cousins’ case, considering his history and all the injuries he suffered to the same leg, the process will cautiously take the full nine months.

This means he would be ready to hit the floor in May. Even in that case, if the Lakers reached the NBA Finals, he would not be physically prepared to play an NBA game, much less in the finals. So, for every intent and purpose, his season is done.

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The legal situation is just another brick that adds to his unfortunate Lakers tenure. There is so much they can do, the Los Angeles Lakers attract off the court drama.

Cousins’ case is the latest example of what the organization is used to deal with. On a positive note (the only one) this will not impact on his game since he will not play at all. It throws more shades on Boogie’s already flawed reputation and the umpteenth case of LA drama for the team.

The Lakers had to replace him, signing Dwight Howard with the last roster spot available. This significantly changed the front office’s plans, as they hoped to keep it open for a possible opportunity during the season, such as an Andre Iguodala buyout.

Memphis is playing the waiting game with the former Warrior, but there is no rush for Los Angeles to find alternate plans with such a deep roster they have built. They can start the season with no pressure to make other moves.

Anyway, for the right opportunity, they still can waive DeMarcus Cousins. His contract his guaranteed, so he will receive his money and the Lakers can allow him to rehab in their facility with their staff and possibly give him another opportunity and the chance to re-acquaintance with the court once healthy.

The franchise has already applied for the Disabled Player Exception, and though they cut DMC they still will have to pay him the entirety of his contract. Not a problem for L.A., as long as it frees up the roster spot for a possible Iguodala acquisition.

Money is certainly not what will stand between the Lakers and the championship. Instead, the right player with the right fit could mean the world to the team.