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NBA Trade Rumors: Top 10 Destinations For DeMarcus Cousins

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and guard D'Angelo Russell (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and guard D’Angelo Russell (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers know how to take a great talent and turn them into champions. That was a different era under a legendary owner, but 16 banners say the Lakers would still have appeal to a center of DeMarcus Cousins’ caliber.

The reason for the Lakers being at a relatively low point in these rankings: everything they have to offer Cousins hinges on an, “If.”

Los Angeles would likely have to offer Julius Randle or D’Angelo Russell to get this trade done—or both. Including their lottery pick depends entirely on the Lakers retaining it, which won’t happen if it falls outside of the Top 3 on the night of the lottery.

The Lakers also have mountains of cap space, but there’s no guaranteeing they’ll sign a star free agent—with or without Cousins on the roster.

Acquiring Cousins would inevitably put the Lakers in a pleasantly familiar spot. Los Angeles famously traded for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal, respectively, and became championship contenders in future seasons.

The reality is, all the Lakers really have to offer is, “Ifs,” at this current juncture. One simply can’t help but acknowledge the history Los Angeles has with gifted centers.

Next: No. 8

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