2. The Los Angeles Lakers have the familiarity bonus, especially over the Brooklyn Nets
The Los Angeles Lakers have an advantage that only the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans also have in that DeMarcus Cousins is familiar with the team. None of those teams are contenders and are completely different than when Cousins played with them.
It runs deeper with the Lakers, though. While Boogie never played a game for the Lakers, he was around the team for nearly an entire season and even was allowed to continue rehabbing with the Lakers after being released.
That is the kind of “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” favor that could come back to help the Lakers this season.
There is another notable team that could use a center in the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers have more than just a familiarity advantage over the Nets, they have an advantage as Boogie Cousins may not want to jump ship to Brooklyn with James Harden.
Why? Well, let’s look back at Cousins’ comments about Harden.
"I don't feel betrayed at all. My interest was with playing with John Wall, to be brutally honest."
— ESPN (@espn) January 13, 2021
DeMarcus Cousins on if he feels betrayed by James Harden. pic.twitter.com/yRlyOFw0In
Not only do the Lakers have the familiarity advantage, but they have an even bigger advantage over the biggest competition. Sure, Cousins jawed with Markieff Morris when they played, but that is nothing compared to his comments on Harden.