NBA Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers could be looking to add a former all-star for the stretch run heading into the second half of the season.
As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to look for ways to improve the team ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, it’s anyone’s guess as to what this front office will elect to do in the next few weeks. However, it appears the team is looking to get creative in an attempt to improve their chances of making the playoffs.
According to a recent report, the Lakers are expected to host a workout for former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. He hasn’t played in a game this season but with the playoffs quickly approaching, he could be looking to sign on with a team for the stretch run.
Last season, Cousins split time with the Milwaukee Bucks and then finished the season with the Denver Nuggets in which he averaged nine points and six rebounds on 46 percent shooting from the field in 31 games played during the regular season.
In five playoff games in Denver, Cousins averaged 11 points per game on 66 percent shooting from the field. If he could replicate some of that same success with the Lakers, he could add some value to the team.
Could DeMarcus Cousins make any type of impact?
It’s tough to say what level of impact Cousins could realistically make at this point in his career. After his career has been derailed due to injury, it’s clear he doesn’t have the ability to be the consistent impactful player that he was early in his career. But you could make an argument that he could still hold some value as a depth player in the frontcourt.
Let’s also remember that Cousins is still just 32 years old. If he can tap into some level of consistency with the Lakers, he should be able to carve out a role for a team that desperately needs help. He’s not going to be the final answer for the team by any means but he could add some value and depth to a certain extent. At the very least, giving him a shot would not cost the team much.
Whether or not he actually has anything left in the tank remains to be seen but these are the small-level moves that the Lakers need to take a risk on if they’re not willing to make a big move at the NBA Trade Deadline.