NBA Rumors: Cousins Late Season Return Not Ruled Out, But Will It Work?

DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 8, 2019. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers still need that all-important third superstar with most of the candidates on the injured list. One name that comes to mind is DeMarcus Cousins. Deprived again due to an injury, the Lakers are crossing fingers that the four-time All-Star can return by the playoffs.

First-year head coach Frank Vogel revealed that the door is not totally closed for Cousins to return. If he recovers as scheduled, Boogie could suit up by the time the NBA playoffs start, ESPN reported. This is with the belief that the Lakers can make the post-season wars. With a line-up led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there is little reason to believe the Lakers won't advance this 2019-20 season.

Frank Vogel won't rule out the possibility of DeMarcus Cousins returning at some point this season. Vogel said the Lakers aren't "closing the door" on Cousins perhaps being able to return for the playoffs. https://t.co/FBY8AQSnmL
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) October 27, 2019

Assuming that Cousins does successfully return, there are plenty of questions on the horizon. That includes the capacity to contribute and if he can blend in late with the new-look Lakers. Looking at how his previous NBA season went with the Golden State Warriors went, he seemed to blend in good. Despite playing limited minutes, he averaged 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 25 minutes of action.

However, there is no telling what kind of condition Cousins will be in by that time. After returning from his first Achilles injury, the 6-foot-10 big man was sidelined again due to a quad injury. He returned but was far from the Cousins most know.

In essence, waiting on Cousins carries risks, Yahoo Sports reported. That includes the quality of contribution he can give although he is in good company. With James and Davis, Cousins will be no more than a contributor to the purple and gold. He will not be tasked to score much nor play long minutes. Regardless of this scenario, it would be foolish to rush Cousins back into action. Another injury could be devastating - not only for the Lakers but for the 5th overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft.

The Lakers have so far won two of their first three assignments. After losing to the Los Angeles Clippers, they won back-to-back against the Utah Jazz and the Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers will host the Memphis Grizzlies next on Oct. 29 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. Los Angeles are favorites to prevail over Memphis.

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