NBA Rumors: Cousins May Stay On, Re-Sign With Lakers This Summer

KEY POINTS

Cousins remains a Laker despite being waived
Cousins could re-sign with Lakers in the summer
Cousins focusing on rehab, saving best for next season

DeMarcus Cousins may have been waived by the Los Angeles Lakers but their relationship is not entirely done. As most know, the move was meant to maximize the personnel available for the Lakers who are determined to win it all this 2019-20 NBA season.

As mentioned in a previous post, waiving Cousins was needed to make room for Markieff Morris. The twin brother of Marcus Morris is expected to join the purple and gold once he clears waivers with the Detroit Pistons. That could happen within the next 48 hours.

Prior to the shift in interest in Morris, head coach Frank Vogel made it seem like Cousins was set to return at some point for the Lakers. The 29-year-old big man remains out after suffering an ACL injury before the current NBA season started. Even if he did return, he is unlikely to be a major factor for the Lakers in the coming NBA playoffs.

Despite getting waived, Marc Stein of The New York Times mentioned how the All-Star center is unlikely to be formally released by Los Angeles. Per NBA rules, a player waived when injured can still continue rehabbing with that team. Hence, Cousins is expected to continue to enjoy using the Lakers' facilities as he works his way to an NBA return. That return could happen in the summer.

Things have just not gone the way of the 5th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. Ironically, he was with Anthony Davis back in 2018 when he suffered a season-ending left Achilles injury. Regardless, he was picked up by the Golden State Warriors the year after but was hardly a factor. Though he showed signs of his old self, other injuries contributed to limiting his time on the floor.

With the Lakers, he was expected to be a pivotal part and relieve Davis of playing the middle. Dwight Howard was taken in and the 34-year-old center proved worthy of a second stint with the purple and gold. There is a big possibility that he will be courted by several teams unless the Lakers plan to keep him.

As for Howard, the injury may not entirely lower his stock. The Warriors took a chance, aware of what he is capable of. For the Lakers, it may be more than that. The fact that he holds close ties with Davis and Rajon Rondo could factor in. Hence, seeing Cousins in a Lakers uniform may still happen next NBA season.