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5 Big-Name Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sacramento Kings C DeMarcus Cousins

Over the last couple of years, we’ve routinely seen DeMarcus Cousins caught up in the rumor mill. Every time he has a bad game or throws a temper tantrum, reports surface the Kings are looking to trade him. While the team has recently stated otherwise, that could change at any moment.

So why couldn’t the Lakers swoop in and solve Sacramento’s problem for them?

As you’ve probably figured out by now, I don’t think Mozgov is the solution at center. They may be paying him a boatload of money, but he’s an average starter at best. If this team is going to contend in the near future, they need a dominant big man who can lock down the key.

Cousins is obviously capable of doing that on a nightly basis. He’s also an excellent asset on offense, which the Lakers can always use more of. That’s why finding a way to bring Boogie to SoCal makes plenty of sense.

While Los Angeles isn’t exactly a better place for Cousins to chase a title, he’d have way more opportunities to build his brand with the Lakers. He’d immediately take over as the face of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. What more could a young center in need of an image adjustment ask for?

Who knows how much the Kings would want in return, if they were even willing to listen to offers. However, if they were, I’m sure the Lakers could convince them to part ways with Cousins by packaging some picks with one of their top young players.

Next: 2016 NBA Offseason Grades For All 30 Teams

It would be a very risky move, but one that could expedite the rebuilding process in Los Angeles.

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