Lakers News: DeMarcus Cousins is no longer an option for Orlando

Lakers News: DeMarcus Cousins will not suit back up in the purple and gold this season.

When the Los Angeles Lakers news was announced that teams could sign replacement players for the league’s resumption at Disney World there were many hopeful fans that thought DeMarcus Cousins could be an option for the team.

Cousins was released by the Lakers in February to open a roster spot but continued to work out and rehab with the team. With the two parties on good terms, it seemed inevitable that if Cousins returned this year, he would return with the Lakers.

This could have been helpful in one of two ways. Cousins could have either provided another depth option at the center position, which is much-needed after such a long hiatus or could have replaced Dwight Howard if he did not decide to play.

Howard was one of the most outspoken players about playing in Orlando and must make a decision by June 24 on whether or not he will play. Right now, the Lakers reportedly believe that Howard will play.

Regardless, Boogie Cousins does not appear to be an option that is on the table for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers news: DeMarcus Cousins is sitting out the resumed season.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that multiple teams are interested in signing Boogie Cousins for the resumed season but have been told that Cousins is instead focusing on his rehab to be ready for the 2020-21 season.

You cannot blame Cousins for this decision. While he probably could have been healthy enough to participate, he pushed it last season for the Golden State Warriors and ended up reinjuring his leg, suffering a quad injury.

Coming back and participating in this sprint that the NBA is having and then turning around and starting the season a month later in training camp in November is not going to be great for someone who has not played a regular-season game since last April.

So what does this mean for the Los Angeles Lakers?

Well, if Dwight Howard plays then the team is going to be fine. I expect Howard and JaVale McGee to get slightly fewer minutes in Orlando to open the door for Davis to play more center, as Davis is naturally going to get more minutes in the playoffs.

If Howard does not play then the Lakers are going to have an issue. There are not any great replacement options to bring in at center and the team might have to go to their depth and have G League standout Devontae Cacok play a role.

He will at least get the eight games to show what he can provide to the team and go from there. Even if he plays a role in the playoffs, he will get no more than 8-10 minutes per game, giving a bigger workload to JaVale McGee.