2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

DeMarcus Cousins: 1 year, $2.3 million (Los Angeles Lakers)

It’s easy to clown on the Los Angeles Lakers adding DeMarcus Cousins given how rusty and borderline washed up he looked at times during the NBA Finals, but this honestly is a no-brainer. Boogie and Anthony Davis enjoyed playing together in New Orleans, and the Lakers need talent and capable players who can contribute to winning basketball to fill out their roster. Rusty or not, Cousins checks both boxes.

While everyone focused on the inconsistent play from a former All-NBA center coming off an Achilles injury and a quad injury that kept him sidelined through most of the Golden State Warriors’ playoff run, there were more than a few flashes of brilliance too, like his 11-10-6 line in their Game 2 win or his 14-point, six-rebound performance in a Game 5 victory.

Even as he attempted to shake off the rust, Cousins still averaged a hearty 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game last year. His 3-point efficiency dove off a cliff, but as long as the Lakers don’t play him, LeBron and AD too much together, and allow him to anchor the second unit instead, this won’t be a bad signing by any means — especially so close to the veteran minimum. Worst-case, it’s a failed one-year gamble. Best-case, the Lakers have a legitimate Big 3.

Grade: B+