DeMarcus Cousins to wear Lakers jersey soon? (Photo : Ezra Shaw | Getty Images Sport)
The Los Angeles Lakers were publicized to make a play for DeMarcus Cousins.
Now, the Boston Herald has revealed the alleged parameters of that possible trade, citing an unnamed league executive.
"You know what they asked the Lakers for? The No. 2 (overall) pick last draft, the one the Lakers used on D'Angelo Russell, and the Lakers' top pick from the year before, (Julius) Randle," the executive stated. "Do you believe that?"
There were varied reports and rumors that came out and some scenarios had the Lakers offering more and the Kings demanding more. Of course, these were not confirmed by the Lakers and the details may not have been complete.
Some quarters don't think that the price was steep. Bleacher Report's Tyler Conway said the Lakers should have done it.
"Here's the thing: The executive quoted above speaks of Sacramento's proposed package with incredulity. It's as if a request of an unproven No. 2 overall pick and a No. 7 overall selection coming off a season-ending injury is a ridiculous request for a foundational talent."
He argues that while Randle has developed into a worthy starter and Russell is indeed very talented (although, to be technical, what the Kings were asking for was the no.2 pick before the Lakers drafted Russell), if there was an offer like that, he would do it.
In comparison with what Cleveland gave up for Kevin Love (two 1st overall picks although one of them was Anthony Bennett), this was reasonable.
But the Herald article points out that the Celtics, despite tremendous goading from the Bill Simmons, has not made any call to the Kings about Cousins.
The issue is not about talent, as even the casual NBA fan could see that Cousins is the full package. It's a combination of the risk (attitude) and the Kings' asking price. But if the basis of "overpriced" is Randle and Russell, that might be something to consider.
DeMarcus Cousins apologized, averaged 36 points and 11 rebounds in three straight wins over the vaunted Pistons, Nets and Raptors. The Kings did not fire George Karl and everything seems okay.
The question around the league is "how long?" If the Kings traded Cousins in the middle of their turmoil, the teams would lowball their offers and Sacramento will be the laughing stock of the league. Even the Kings front office knows that. Thus, the idea of the alleged Lakers trade getting revisited soon is slim.
The Sacramento Kings are looking very good, with the resurgence of Rajon Rondo to boot. However, if things blow up again, the Lakers should be ready. If not, another team will.
