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NBA: 7 ways Lakers can achieve basketball nirvana

By Josh Hill

Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Drop DeMarcus Cousins Trade Hopes

This was a dumb idea when it was suggested, became increasingly more stupid as the Lakers continued to entertain it, and will be a sore spot for the franchise if it ever happens.

DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best young big men in the game. Anthony Davis has next, as far as the next superstar born into the NBA, but Cousins is going to be in the upper echelon of superstar in the very near future.

The problem is, he hasn’t won yet as a singular entity on a team and that’s not going to change just because he puts on a different color uniform. Sure, it might make the Lakers more of a free agent destination and might make them win a few more games next season, but you can’t put a bandaid on cancer and hope it gets eradicated.

Cousins needs a good roster around him, and trading what little talent you have to acquire him defeats the entire purpose of acquiring him in the first place.

Los Angeles could use Cousins, no doubt about it, but he’s a want and not a need — something the front office has to realize.

Next: 3. Sign DeAndre Jordan

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