NBA: 7 best under-the-radar free agent signings of 2019

DeMarcus Cousins, Los Angeles Lakers 

Position: C

Age: 28

Finally, the best under-the-radar signing of the 2019 NBA offseason was none other than the Los Angeles Lakers picking up four-time all-star DeMarcus Cousins. Coming off a devastating Achilles injury two years ago, Cousins proved this past season (with the Warriors) that he could still be an effective and productive player.

In spurts, and when he returned from injury in the playoffs, Cousins proved that he could still be an elite-level offensive talent. The big question, of course, as is almost always the case, is on the defensive side of the ball.

Adding Cousins to this Lakers team, which has championship aspirations (after adding Anthony Davis, as well, during the offseason), was a big move. The fact that the Lakers were able to add both Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins after missing out on Kawhi was almost a miracle. Those types of talents normally aren’t available two weeks into free agency.

Inking Cousins to the veteran’s minimum makes this deal even better. The Lakers are playing with house money, as this was a low-risk, high-reward move financially. Plus, Cousins played some of the best basketball of his career next to Anthony Davis when the duo was with the Pelicans a couple of seasons ago – before Cousins’ Achilles injury.

If Cousins is able to remain healthy and give the Lakers the same production he did last season for the Warriors, this signing will be the best in terms of production, dollar value, and team value.