Los Angeles Lakers: Big-name free agents to pair with LeBron James in 2019

DeMarcus Cousins, C — Golden State Warriors

Last week, the Lakers had the opportunity to sign DeMarcus Cousins to a cheap, one-year deal (via Marc Stein’s newsletter). However, it appears they weren’t comfortable with him not being available to play for half the season. Now, he’s with the Golden State Warriors, primed to earn his first ring.

Here’s how I imagine that Magic-Cousins conversation went:

Magic: “So when are you expected to be ready to play, Boogie?”

Boogie: “Sometime in January or February. That’s cool, right?”

Magic: “If we were the Warriors, sure. Unfortunately, we need every win we can get this season. Waiting for you to return isn’t really an option. So how about instead of signing with us, you go up to Oakland, win a ring there and then come back next year once you’re healthy?

Boogie: “Sounds good. See ya next summer!”

Chances are that wasn’t the reality of the situation, but that’s the way it unfolded in my head. Either way, I think you get the point. We all know the Warriors aren’t going to be able to retain Cousins past the 2018-19 campaign. They don’t have his Bird rights, meaning they can only give him a small raise on the $5.3 million he’s making this year.

After crushing it in the second half and postseason, Cousins earns that max contract. Maybe the Lakers will be the team to give it to him. He’d be a welcomed addition, especially for a team without a proven commodity at center.