DeMarcus Cousins could still be a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers this season if the team does not see any of their young talents becoming the face of the franchise.
For the first time in many years, the Lakers are approaching the regular season without a star, which, for many fans, is called the post-Kobe Bryant era for the Purple and Gold. While the Lakers have plenty of high upside talents in their roster, it may take them a few more years to hone their youngsters into perennial All-Stars.
And if none from the likes of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram show any of those potentials, trading for a proven star could be an option for the Lakers as early as mid season.
According to Gil Alcaraz IV of Hoops Habit, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, one of the big names LA could aim for is Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins' name has consistently been thrown into the rumor mill, with the 26-year-old also steadily showing displeasure towards the Kings. Recent reports from ESPN's Brian Windhorst claim the Kings may be inclined to keep hold of Cousins this season, but anything can happen, especially if Boogie shows another sign of discontent to the Kings.
Cousins, who posts a career average of 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, certainly fits as the proven star the Lakers sorely need. The two-time All-Star center would not only take the Lakers' offense into the next level, but his presence would do wonders in LA's quest to become relevant in the NBA map once again.
While playing for the Lakers won't give Cousins much of a chance to win a title, his addition would open up opportunities for the Lakers to lure top talents like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin next summer.
Moreover, Cousins would also have the chance to become the Lakers' next greatest center and take over as the face of the franchise moving forward.
However, it would certainly cost the Lakers several assets if they truly have genuine interests in acquiring Cousins. With the Kings in need of some backcourt pieces to go along with their core of young big men, a potential deal could include Russell, Clarkson, and even Ingram, plus future draft picks to sweeten up the package.
Lakers fans have plenty of things to be excited for this season, but realistically, none of those includes becoming a strong playoff contender. The Lakers seem committed to the development of their future stars, but it would be wise for LA to reconsider their plans if an opportunity to acquire Cousins emerges.
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