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Los Angeles Lakers: Why JaVale McGee won’t be a Laker in 2021

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. DeMarcus Cousins is still in play

DeMarcus Cousins is the third Los Angeles Lakers superstar that never was — that is, unless Boogie comes back to the purple and gold next season, which absolutely seems like it is going to be in play.

The Lakers signed Cousins to a one-year deal last summer and he tore his ACL while working out in Las Vegas last August. Now, 14 months removed from the injury and another 2-3 months removed from the start of next season, Cousins should be good to go and is yet again a valuable free-agent target.

We cannot expect Cousins to be the same superstar center that he was four years ago but even 75% of the old Cousins is still far better than McGee. And with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there is a chance that he is better than 75%.

This would work out perfectly for the Lakers. The team can re-sign both Cousins and Howard to be their two centers and have a very similar minute split as McGee and Howard had. This allows Cousins to ease into his role before amping up in the NBA Playoffs.

Just imagine the floor spacing that would be possible with Cousins. Instead of playing Markieff Morris at the five against Houston, it can be Cousins. Morris is great, Cousins is better.

It appears as if Cousins and the Los Angeles Lakers have a great relationship and I would be hard-pressed to imagine him signing elsewhere this offseason.

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