A look at the domino effect of DeMarcus Cousins’ latest injury for the Los Angeles Lakers.
When healthy, DeMarcus Cousins is one of the most talented big men in the NBA. That sentiment is supported by the fact that he’s posted averages of 21.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest over the course of nine NBA seasons.
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Let’s also not forget that he’s shooting a 33.2 percent from beyond the arc, which can be considered a respectable conversation rate for a center.
Unfortunately for Cousins, luck hasn’t been on his side in terms of staying healthy. Following a season in which he was limited to just 30 regular season games (due to an injury) for the Golden State Warriors, he agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
What was supposed to be another opportunity for DMC to reclaim his status as a dominant force in the NBA, has turned into something far worse.
As initially reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, followed by a second report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Cousins sustained a torn ACL injury in his left knee during a workout in Las Vegas.
Considering that the normal recovery time for this injury is anywhere from 9-12 months, Cousins is expected to be sidelined for the entire 2019-20 season.
Here’s a look at three ripple effects from this recent development.