The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to sign up a big man for the 2020-21 NBA season and most feel Dwight Howard or even JaVale McGee would be it. But most may have forgotten the original center that the Lakers were supposed to have in DeMarcus Cousins. He remains in the mix and critics feel he is the guy that the purple and gold must get for its title-retention campaign.
Cousins was deprived of the chance to become an NBA champion when he fell to another ACL injury before the 2019-20 season. That led to the signing of Howard who proved to be a force despite the adversity that surrounded him. There is a growing belief that the 6-foot-11 center may opt for bigger pay next season unless the Lakers can offer him a better contract.
Should Howard opt to join another NBA team where he could even be starting, the opening could be what Cousins would need. Though he has struggled through injuries the past years, it remains that “Boogie” is still a force to reckon with.
“ Patience is bitter, but it’s fruit is sweet. “ pic.twitter.com/pepq2IVGIg — DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) October 13, 2020
Also worth noting is that even if he is not at 100 percent back to his old shape (something that most doubt will ever happen), he would be a key addition to the Lakers next season. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis carrying the majority of the load, the 30-year-old All-Star does not need to overexert himself playing alongside the duo.
Cousins can focus on protecting the rim and controlling the boards. The fact that he owns a special skillset makes him still valuable. Aside from that, he can also help stretch the floor and is a good passer. With those in mind, head coach Frank Vogel would love to have the 6-foot-10 big man around to relieve Davis of some center duties.
Though Cousins was waived with the Lakers, the fact that he continues to be in Los Angeles hints at him likely to be given a chance to strut his wares. That in mind, there will be one center moving out – either Howard or McGee.
But expectations on Boogie should be toned down. Given that he has been through some harrowing injuries in the past years, it would be unfair to expect him to recall his All-Star performance. He is working on that aspect but the reality right now is that he needs to adjust his game to avoid future injuries.
