Reports surfaced on Saturday morning indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers would be willing to trade former Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell, whom they just drafted with the no. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA draft, in exchange for Sacramento Kings star center DeMarcus Cousins.
The information first appeared in th Los Angeles Daily News, with one of its NBA insiders reporting that the Lakers would totally consider the possibility of giving away one of their highest draft picks in the last few years.
However, the possibility of such a deal happening would be slim, as even though more rumors point towards the Kings wanting to offload Cousins this summer they would probably ask for similar level talent in return. Cousins still has three years left of his contract with the Kings, and Sacramento is under no pressure to trade him right away.
Speculations suggests that Sacramento would consider a deal if the Lakers would throw in last year’s number 7 pick Julius Randle, who was sidelined for all his rookie season due to suffering a fractured tibia in last season’s opener, and also a future draft pick. Adding this year’s Willie Caulie-Stein to the formula would have the Kings set to rebuild with three top seven pick from the last two years – certainly not the worst point in which the franchise has ever been.
The Lakers are looking to turn around their fortunes after one of the worst seasons in franchise history, finishing 21-61 and missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. However, they would be more eager to acquire a proven player rather than wait for its current youngsters to grow, as Kobe Bryant has hinted that next season might be his final one in his NBA career.
Lakers are hopeful that a fit Bryant would form a terrific duo with Cousins, who has averaged more than 24 points and 12 rebound per game last season, making him an All-Star for the first time. Cousins is also only 24 of age and would be a great building pillar for the post-Bryant era should he fit in the Lakers’ plans.
Reports coming from Sacramento state more intensely that coach George Karl is looking to rebuild Sacramento without Cousins, preferring a more faster-based shooting team. Cousins himself has hinted at his displeasure of the situation through subtle tweets, but the Kings are definitely in a good position regarding any future trades. Cousins’ star status might also warrant better value in exchange for him than a couple of NBA unproven draft picks.
Image Source: Sixth Man Journal
