After guaranteeing the contract of DeMarcus Cousins for the remainder of the 2020-21 NBA season, the Houston Rockets have decided to part ways with him. The team is going to play smaller lineups once Christian Wood returns from injury. Now, Cousins finds himself at the forefront of NBA rumors.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers will be among the teams that intend to pursue DeMarcus Cousins after the Rockets formally part ways with him.
“Sources: The Lakers will be among the teams to pursue DeMarcus Cousins.
“The market will be limited for Cousins, sources say. He has struggled this year after returning from multiple major injuries. But for LA or any team in need of big man depth, few options bring higher upside.”
The Rockets found strong success with Christian Wood on the floor and having him as the lone big man on the court could go a long way. Having speed across the lineup defensively with Wood protecting the rim is a favorable outcome while having floor spacing around him as a rim roller.
DeMarcus Cousins has struggled to make much of an impact since dealing with major injuries. He already wasn’t an all-that-mobile athlete and getting injuries certainly hasn’t helped either.
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In 25 appearances, DeMarcus Cousins averaged 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 20.2 minutes. He wasn’t much of a style fit in Houston as he attempted a staggering 55.2% of his shot attempts from the perimeter, mostly in spot-up and pick-and-pop sequences.
It’s easy to see why a contender like the Lakers want to pursue DeMarcus Cousins. His previous form can help provide balance to a half-court offense if he were to find a rhythm and he is a capable shooter from beyond the arc. The main concern is his lack of mobility on defense.
Another team to watch in NBA rumors centered around DeMarcus Cousins is the Brooklyn Nets. They likely will jump on the opportunity to sign any capable NBA talent that becomes available since they traded so many pieces to land James Harden in the four-team blockbuster deal.
