NBA Rumors: Lakers Keeping Cousins Makes No Sense, Playmaking Search Off?

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still open to adding another player although they need to cut off someone to do so. One name that has frequently been mentioned is DeMarcus Cousins who went down in the offseason with an ACL injury. Despite believing that recovering from it takes 10 to 12 months, it appears head coach Frank Vogel is expecting the 29-year-old to return by the NBA playoffs.

Vogel bared the possibility during Lakers All-Star Media Day. He hinted at Boogie's possible return to action, something that is likely to receive criticism. A big reason behind that is the purple and gold have been doing well with Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard alternating at the center. A Cousins return would be welcome but relegating (likely) McGee or Howard may not make sense.

A certain writer reasoned that McGee and Howard don't share the proper skill set in the modern-day NBA, particularly floor-spacing. But if that were the case, why are the Lakers doing well? Also, it should be factored in that Cousins is unlikely to be an improvement. The fact of the matter is that the four-time All-Star is not at 100 percent health unless he ends up playing another position. If not at center, Cousins could slide down to power forward and alternate with Davis instead. Seeing how the Lakers are reaping success, changing things up at this point could be crucial.

The good news is that Howard may return, Vogel said in a report by CBS Sports. But on whether this would be ideal for the Lakers remains to be seen. Los Angeles has already worked out several players like J.R. Smith and Darren Collison. Collison opted to remain retired even though he loomed as the logical fit to resolve the Lakers' playmaking woes.

The middle is hardly an area the Lakers need to improve on. If even Vogel opts to play Cousins, it would be to get something out of his one-year deal worth $3.5 million. For some, using that money on someone else would be better. The main point here is the roster spot.

Hence, allowing Cousins to suit up may only mean one thing - the Lakers are done trying to find a suitable replacement. But to say that he is a better option coming off injury because he spaces the floor well is up for debate. How can one space the floor if he is (likely) to lack the mobility coming off an injury and play limited minutes for the purple and gold?