DeAndre Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make another go at DeAndre Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins. DeAndre Jordan #6 and Demarcus Cousins #12 of United States laugh on the bench while taking on Argentina during the Men's Quarterfinal match on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Getty Images/Sam Greenwood

The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of work to do, and it may all start by getting someone to man the paint. Initially, the name of Anthony Davis would come to mind. But what if negotiations fail to materialize and fall apart like what went down during the NBA trade deadline last month?

If the Lakers are bent on getting a reliable center this summer, two names come to mind. They are DeAndre Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins. The two NBA veterans have already been linked to Los Angeles in the past, although the scenarios for the offseason are different.

As mentioned in a previous article, Jordan was someone associated with the Lakers after the NBA trade deadline last month. The Lakers were reportedly interested in getting the 30-year-old center, but that could have only materialized if the New York Knicks bought out the 35th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.

It never happened and the Knicks opted to keep Jordan until their season comes to a wrap. It remains to be seen if Jordan will remain with New York – a team in rebuilding mode with a special focus aimed at the younger players in the mix.

As for Cousins, the Lakers actually had a chance to sign him last year, ESPN reported. However, the purple and gold opted to pass on Boogie, likely because there were questions surrounding his Achilles injury. The Lakers had wanted to make a run at an NBA playoff berth but wanted someone who would be sure to play for the 2018-19 NBA season. The Golden State Warriors took a chance and viola, the temperamental center is now back in harness.

Come this summer, Cousins is likely to look for a max contract deal. He may not get that from the Warriors with the Dubs already having their share of problems with the luxury tax. A different scenario could ensue if Boogie were to opt for a discounted package and crave for more NBA titles with the Warriors.

The Lakers may try to go after him although Cousins may look back to last year when he as shunned. He could ask for something lucrative such as a long-term deal with big numbers.

If the Lakers fail to land either Cousins or Jordan, expect them to revisit Anthony Davis. The Lakers will have a busy summer filling up key positions – particularly the slot.

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