Los Angeles Lakers: DeMarcus Cousins hopes to play in postseason run

Los Angeles Lakers center DeMarcus Cousins is hoping to return to the court for a potential playoff run.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a very good 2019-20 season. A big reason for that has been the play of the frontcourt, but a lot of things had to happen for the team to get to where they are now.

Acquiring a player of Anthony Davis‘ caliber will improve a team instantly. Adding his former New Orleans Pelicans’ teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, could have really put the team over the top. Sadly, we have yet to see that happen.

Cousins tore his ACL in the offseason working out and playing. As a result, the Lakers needed to add another center, using up the last open roster spot they had. That roster spot went to Dwight Howard, who received a non-guaranteed contract and has made the most of it.

Howard has had a career resurgence during his second act in Los Angeles. He and JaVale McGee have combined to be a strong presence in the middle for the Lakers. They will be an important part of the Lakers’ rotation for the rest of the season, but they do not bring the offensive firepower to the table that Cousins would have.

Cousins was arguably the best center in the NBA just two years ago before his first devastating injury with the Pelicans when he ruptured his Achilles. He had dominant statistics and was one of the most explosive offensive players at his position, even expanding his range beyond the 3-point line.

Cousins’ skill set is something the Lakers would certainly welcome at any point during the season. His ability to stretch the floor would add another dimension to an already strong offense led by LeBron James and Davis. Cousins is hopeful that he will be able to showcase those talents during a potential playoff run.

Cousins shared this quote during an appearance on Showtime’s “All the Smoke” hosted by Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.

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"“We got a big team. It’s going to be some bump, for sure,” Cousins said. “We got so many guys with different abilities. I mean, I can spot up. Bron [LeBron James] is going to draw everybody whenever he decides to move. I’m pretty confident I can knock down the shot. We got shooters all over the floor. I mean, I can playmake. Like, it’s pick your poison.”"

Lakers’ head coach Frank Vogel recently gave an update on Cousins’ progress and he would not commit to a return date for the big man.

While they have yet to commit to a concrete return, the Lakers have to be confident that Cousins will return at some point. The team stood pat at the trade deadline and have yet to dive into the buyout market to sign a free agent.

There are a few players that could be waived to make room on the roster, with Cousins being among them given his uncertain future. However, the longer the Lakers take to make a move, the closer Cousins gets to making a return.

Could Cousins’ return be the jolt the team is waiting for during the stretch run and potential postseason run? We know Cousins is as tough as they come, as he gutted things out with the Golden State Warriors last season trying to help them win a title and overcome injuries to Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.

Even if Cousins can only give a handful of performances, just as he did with the Warriors in the NBA Finals last year, the Lakers would be happy. Anything Cousins provides at this point is an added bonus for the Lakers.