DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins was not on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster in the playoffs, but he will receive his ring next season. Two summers ago he signed a one-year deal with LA, tearing his ACL shortly after. Despite this, he remained on the team while rehabbing his third major injury on his left leg.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers were forced to waive him in order to add players capable to contribute immediately for the upcoming playoff run. However, they allowed him to keep rehabbing in their structures with their staff.
DMC, who agreed to sign with the Lakers because of the presence of his former New Orleans teammates Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo, was a good part of the chemistry built on this team, always committed and involved. Expectations were to possibly see him take the court for some minutes in the playoffs, or, at least, have him back on the roster next season, finally healthy.
Things went a different way, but with the new season on the horizon, LA’s front office could decide to bring him back. DeMarcus will not certainly command a big contract. Instead, a short-term deal to prove he can stay healthy and still contribute on a good level is in his cards.
On the Lakers he would address the more and more common stretch-five role, the only element the NBA Champions missed this year. Almost certainly, DMC will not be able to return to a pre-injuries level. He will need to settle for a supporting role, trying to fit into a system instead of being the fulcrum of it. Playing the stretch-five would exploit one of his talents, just trying to specialize in it, and save some stress to his decaying body.
Next to the shot-blocker JaVale McGee and the physical, energetic Howard, he would complete the group collecting the skills of the modern center.
If the Lakers brought him back, this would close the circle for them and Cousins, finally able to use the player they signed but never had the chance to give his contribution.