3. Re-signing DeMarcus Cousins keeps him from the competition
This goes hand-in-hand with the previous point that the rest of the league is getting better. If the Los Angeles Lakers are unable to capitalize on a cheap impact player then there undoubtedly will be another team that could benefit from Cousins.
The Warriors do not have a traditional center and could welcome Cousins back with open arms. The Clippers might need to find a replacement for Montrezl Harrell and could use another center alongside Ivica Zubac.
It does not stop there. The fact that Cousins can space the floor makes him a fit for the Bucks, he could add much-needed center depth for the Boston Celtics or could even go to a sleeper contender, such as the Portland Trail Blazers or Dallas Mavericks.
There are so many options and as we said, even if he is only 80% of what he used to be then he will still be one of the 10-best centers in the league, at worst. That is a huge get for any team looking to contend for the NBA Championship.
The ball is in the Los Angeles Lakers’ court. They appear to have a great relationship with Cousins and he has familiarity with this locker room. He didn’t have to keep rehabbing with the team. He didn’t have to travel to multiple games.
The Lakers cannot mess this up, plain and simple.