NBA rumors: Lakers might be using DeMarcus Cousins as LeBron bait
By David Rouben
With Paul George looking likely to stay in Oklahoma City, the Los Angeles Lakers have shifted their attention to signing DeMarcus Cousins.
The Los Angeles Lakers are undoubtedly the main focus of NBA free agency ever since they emerged as the odds-on favorites to nab LeBron James’ signature. But, for as good as LeBron is, just getting him won’t shift the Lakers into the title conversation. As we saw during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he can’t do it all by himself.
That’s why the Lakers have been just as aggressive in trying to secure a package for Kawhi Leonard and signing Paul George. However, the sweeping sentiment regarding the latter is that he’ll stay put in Oklahoma City since he’s grown to like it there. Him attending a house party hosted by Russell Westbrook only furthers that idea.
That’s why it was important for the Lakers to have a contingency plan, and according to Kevin O’Connor, it seems as if they have a “big” one lined up:
DeMarcus Cousins sounds like an increasingly likely target for the Lakers on a short-term max contract now that it appears Los Angeles will lose out on Paul George, per league sources. In January 2017, LeBron James called Cousins "the best big man in our game."
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 1, 2018
This isn’t the first year that the Lakers have tried to sign DeMarcus Cousins. When he subtweeted “God give me the strength” while at a hot yoga class, everyone was certain he was going to move to the south of California. In truth, he ended up being one of many free agent targets that didn’t pan out for them during their past six seasons of obscurity.
Next: The 20 different emotions of Gregg Popovich
But with Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma in tow, there’s genuine excitement among Laker Nation. And even if both of them get flipped for Kawhi Leonard, their young core has made them an attractive destination for free agents once again.
There’s a lot to like about Cousins, even though he’s coming off surgery for a season-ending injury and is prone to throwing temper tantrums. But if LeBron likes him, then signing Cousins could help them land their big fish, making them a contender once again.