Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the possible Marc Gasol replacement centers

By Jason Reed | Sep 3, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball guarded by Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. DeMarcus Cousins

If the Los Angeles Lakers really wanted to lean into the narrative of re-signing former Lakers then they could go out and sign DeMarcus Cousins. Unlike the former Lakers signed before him, though, Cousins never actually played in a game for the Lakers as he was injured.

Cousins’ injury luck has been brutal to see. He tore his Achilles with the New Orleans Pelicans right before he was due for a big payday and tore his ACL before what was supposed to be his comeback tour with the Lakers.

He simply has not been the same player since. Cousins has never been revered as being a great teammate or lockerroom presence and there were some doubts about if he was just a good player on a bad team that was putting up inflated stats.

However, he still played really well in New Orleans and was one of the most versatile offensive centers in the league. He could bang down low, stretch the floor and was a decent passer as well.

That version of Cousins is long gone and he is not the same guy. I might be more pessimistic than other fans but I do not think that version of Cousins, or even flashes of it, will ever come back.

For that reason, mixed with him not historically being the best teammate, he should not be prioritized. However, if it comes down to it, the Lakers should bring him back.

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