Golden State Warriors News: DeMarcus Cousins' Return Could Come After Christmas Game With Lakers

It might not be too long before the Golden State Warriors are finally at full strength. DeMarcus Cousins is reportedly taking the next step in making his return, which could come in the not-too-distant future.

According to Logan Murdock of Bay Area News Group, Cousins is looking to play his first game of the 2018-2019 NBA season sometime after Christmas. The big man has missed the entire year as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

The report states that Cousins had a meeting with Golden State’s training staff Friday. He won’t be able to play on the team’s upcoming five-game road trip like he had hoped, but Cousins hasn’t suffered any setbacks and will be re-evaluated Tuesday.

Cousins signed a one-year deal with Golden State in the offseason. He averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds in 48 games before getting hurt last season, making his fifth straight All-Star team.

Even though the Warriors have won two straight titles and are the odds-on favorites to win the 2019 NBA Finals, they could certainly use Cousins in the lineup. The team has struggled in the early part of this season, losing six of their last 10 games.

Golden State’s 14-7 record gives them the No.2 seed in the West. They are just 3.5 games ahead of the No.9 seed Sacramento Kings.

Most of Golden State’s struggles have been the result of playing without Stephen Curry. The point guard has missed the last nine games with a groin injury. He might have been the MVP frontrunner before getting hurt.

A toe injury has also caused Draymond Green to miss time. The forward is day-to-day after missing eight of the last 10 games.

Curry is hoping to play on the upcoming road trip. After hosting the Orlando Magic Monday, the Warriors will visit the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Warriors have 13 more games on the schedule before hosting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. They'll play two games against the Portland Trail Blazers and visit the Phoenix Suns for their final three games of 2018.

If Cousins returns directly after Christmas, he can be active for Golden State’s final 47 games. The Warriors play 44 regular-season games in 2019.