Los Angeles Lakers: Top free agent targets not named LeBron James, Paul George

DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans

If it were Jan. 25, I’d be saying DeMarcus Cousins will fall into the same category as James and George as priority targets for the Lakers. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles tendon the following day, thrusting his whole pending free agency into a world of uncertainty.

Now things are completely different. Achilles injuries aren’t easy to bounce back from, especially for men on Cousins’ size. He may not even be available for the start of the 2018-19 campaign, as this type of injury can take an extended period of time to bounce back from for a 6’11”, 270-pound man.

Still, even with the injury, I believe the Lakers will be interested. In fact, it may actually help get a deal done. Cousins was easily going to command a max contract during free agency. However, coming off a major injury, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were forced to sign a discounted, one-year deal to rehab his value.

Now that’s not to say the Pelicans won’t want to make a similar contract offer. Anthony Davis plans on putting his own efforts into keeping Cousins (via New York Times’ Marc Stein), which could help swing the pendulum in the Pelicans’ direction.

Next: Early predictions for where top free agents will sign

Expect the Lakers to at least give Cousins’ agent a call. Especially if they strike out on LeBron, George or both, they’ll be looking for at least one star to bring to Los Angeles. It’s not like they haven’t tried to acquire him in the past.