Anthony Davis knows that a possible meeting of DeMarcus Cousins with the Los Angeles Lakers was the first thing experts thought of when they announced that the Houston Rockets would soon be parting ways with the big controversial man. In the short time Boogie spent with the purple-gold club last season, he seemed happier than he had been in years.
If only the injury-induced discomfort would leave him alone and he could play at least one game for the Lakers, the question of why the defending champions need him on their team now would be irrelevant. With superstar Anthony Davis suspended for four weeks due to a sprained Achilles tendon, there is no doubt that LeBron James and his team need another center. Names like Mo Bamba, Tone Maker and Duane Dedmon have surfaced as possible targets, but they shouldn’t be a factor now that Boogie is back on the market.
Sure, these guys are younger and don’t have the same injury history as the Cousins, but none of these players have the qualities of a four-time All-Star. Besides, cousins are probably cheap. The Lakers could acquire him for a reasonable buyout fee, or a possible trade for a future second round pick would probably suffice.
Why a meeting with Boogie makes sense for the Lakers
Unfortunately, we don’t know how Cousins will fare with the Lakers, as he hasn’t worn a suit at all due to a torn ACL. He may not be the franchise player he once was, but it’s still a good sign that he’s 100 percent recovered from the persistent injuries of the past few years.
Lakers fans know that in 25 games in H-Town, the tall 30-year-old had a respectable average of 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while shooting 37.6 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from distance. In fact, it was under the Rockets’ jersey that he played his best game, in what turned out to be his last game with the franchise. Cousins scored 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s still a far cry from what he was capable of at his peak, but it’s a good indication of what he’s capable of today – perhaps with the Lakers.
Cousins was expected to have a bigger role in Houston after Christian Wood’s injury. He actually played some good basketball at the time, but the Rockets’ seven-game losing streak probably played a big role in the decision to let him go.
While there are many questions about Cousins’ abilities at this stage of his career, there is an undeniable reason why they should fire him. The Lakers players and officials already hold him in high regard.
Despite not playing a single second last season, the Lakers have vowed to give the Cousins their own championship ring the next time the Rockets travel to the Staples Center. Here’s how they rated the presence of the infamous troublemaker in the locker room. The Lakers even convinced the league to allow Cousins to continue rehabbing with the team after his injury.
We all know Boogie has a good relationship with AD, both on and off the field during his relationship with the Pelicans. Even LeBron spoke highly of him during their short stay with the Lakers. Whether it’s the same player or not, this strong connection must explain something.
This once fickle superstar has calmed down over the years, especially when she is in a good position with the other leaders of her team. The Lakers know that.
Another big problem that explains why Cousins’ stay in Clutch City didn’t last longer was that they liked to play fast. This system doesn’t bode well for the 6-foot-5 center, who is recovering from Achilles tendon and ACL injuries. The Lakers don’t necessarily play slow basketball, but execute their offensive sets at a methodical pace.
Additionally, Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell will always get the most minutes in this courtroom. The Lakers don’t need Cousins to be the star they once were. It should just be a useful reserve to reinforce their second unit.
frequently asked questions
What did the Lakers trade for Anthony Davis?
The Pelicans have reached an agreement to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks – including the fourth overall pick in 2019, league sources told ESPN.
Have the Lakers given up too much for Davis?
To bring in Davis, the Lakers traded Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, … After the trade, the general consensus was that the Lakers had given up too much, especially since Davis would be able to enter unrestricted as a free agent after the 2019-20 season.
Lakers drop Boogie Cousins?
Los Angeles Lakers waive custody of Quinn Cook, according to sources at @TheAthletic @Stadium. … Rumor has it that DeMarcus’ cousins in Los Angeles, who also swore off the Rockets, are showing interest: Houston rockets shooting at DeMarcus’ cousins, according to sources @TheAthletic @Stadium.
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