LA Lakers Trade Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins Trade Discussions Had By Lakers, Sacramento Kings
LA Lakers trade rumors now include DeMarcus Cousins. If the Lakers trade for Cousins, the team could immediately become a contender in the Western Conference again. As the 2015 NBA Draft draws closer, a report from ESPN on Monday (June 22) states that the Lakers are actively trying to construct a deal that would interest the Sacramento Kings. This is huge news for the NBA offseason, especially with how good Cousins has been for the Kings.
The ESPN report even states that discussions have taken place between the LA Lakers, Kings, and Orlando Magic to work out a three-team deal. That would be a huge move in the offseason, especially as the three franchises try to become respectable again. They each also have picks in the top six for the 2015 NBA Draft, showing that there could be a number of assets being placed on the table. One player that has come up is Nikola Vucevic, who Orlando could deal to Sacramento to fill a spot vacated by Cousins.
As previously reported on the Inquisitr, the Los Angeles Lakers are actually looking to part with one of the first-round picks the team possesses. It gives the team a really good asset that rebuilding franchises like the Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic might really enjoy acquiring. On the board for the 2015 NBA Draft, the Lakers select at No. 2 and No. 27, the Magic select at No. 5, and the Kings select at No. 6 in the first round. In the second round, the Lakers are at No. 34 and the Magic are at No. 51 overall. The Kings have just that one selection so far.
The Lakers have to love that Cousins is a double-double machine on the court. For his career, he has averaged 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. In the 2014-15 NBA season he has his best year in the league, averaging 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He has statistically been one of the best big men in the league and made the Western Conference All-Star team. The big sell for Cousins, is that he is still just 24 years old, meaning he has a lot of basketball still left to play.
DeMarcus Cousins is still under contract for three more seasons with the Sacramento Kings, further adding to his value in any transaction. If these LA Lakers trade rumors lead to a deal taking place, he would play with Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, and likely the No. 2 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. That’s a good start to a roster, even if Bryant does need to take a step back for the team to succeed.
[Image Source: David Ramos/Getty Images]
