Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting the team’s 2018-19 starting lineup

Center: DeMarcus Cousins

Boom! Everyone in Hollywood wants the Lakers to land LeBron in 2018. However, I believe DeMarcus Cousins is two things: 1) The best answer to Los Angeles’ top needs and 2) A very realistic free agent target for the Lakers.

To add to the first point, Cousins gives the Lakers a dominant center, a position that has plagued them for much of the 2017-18 season. He’s an offensive dynamo, bringing both bruising interior force and uncanny shooting from the 5-spot. To top it off, he’s an outstanding rim protector who can also own the boards.

Whether he’s sending shots back or getting fed by Ball all game long, Cousins would be a welcomed addition to this Lakers lineup. Now on to the second point.

While not from California, Cousins is believed to be very interested in playing for the Lakers. When he was on the trade block a season ago, his representatives even went as far as telling the Sacramento Kings brass he wanted to be traded to Los Angeles (via the Undefeated’s Marc Spears). That type of interest doesn’t just disappear over night.

Next: Way-too-early redrafting of Lakers' 2017 draft class

With Cousins set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, it’ll be interesting to see if he decides to take his talents elsewhere. My guess is he turns his back on the New Orleans Pelicans and joins the Lakers once they find a way to make his and George’s contract fit under the cap.