Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining Bill Simmons’ star-studded starting lineup

Center: DeMarcus Cousins

Man. At this point, it’s almost too much talent for one starting lineup. Maybe one of these guys should move to the bench, just to even out the units a bit. For the purposes of this exercise, though, I’ll keep DeMarcus Cousins as the starting center.

If he were to join the Lakers, Cousins would give them their first elite paint presence since Shaquille O’Neal. He’s arguably the top offensive center in the NBA, possessing a wide array of post moves and improving range on his jumper. And yet, it’s not like he’d really need to be an offensive star with the other scorers in this lineup.

More importantly, Cousins would give Los Angeles a fearsome defender down low. After how miserable their defense was in 2016-17 (and figures to be in 2017-18), adding the All Star big man would make life very difficult for opposing paint players and guys who thrive at getting to the rim.

The Lakers have had interest in Cousins for some time. They attempted to acquire him before the 2017 deadline, but couldn’t convince the Sacramento Kings to keep him in California. Instead, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans to form one of the best big man duos in NBA history.

Next: Way-too-early bold predictions for Lakers in 2017

Still, unless the Pelicans prove they can contend in 2017-18 (unlikely), I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cousins test the market. If he were to do so, he very well may be interested in joining this revamped Lakers lineup. That is, if he’s willing to take a pay cut like Simmons suggested.