NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Looking To Recall Former All-Star For Orlando Tilt

DeMarcus Cousins’ return to the Lakers might take place earlier than scheduled. With the NBA planning to allow teams to expand their respective rosters heading to the resumption of the 2020 season, the former All-Star center is being speculated to head back to L.A. and join the team bound for Orlando’s Walt Disney World in July.

“There is speculation the league may allow expanded playoff rosters in the bubble -- perhaps carrying 17-20 players -- in order to have more reserves available should a rash of COVID-19 cases hit,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “With the extra time off to rehab, combined with potential expanded rosters, will Cousins make his return to L.A.? The former All-Star center would give the Lakers the stretch 5 they missed most of the season and, with crowd noise a nonfactor in Orlando’s empty arenas, he could certainly have an impact as a vocal bench presence.”

After he was released by the team in February in order to make room for Markieff Morris, the word initially was that Cousins and the Lakers had a gentleman’s agreement that would bring the former Kentucky standout back to L.A. for next season.

But with the added seats under the revised season format, the Lakers might just pounce on the opportunity in their attempt to bolster their bid for the championship.

Based on the latest update, the Lakers are favored to win the NBA title with odds set at +200, which is just slightly shorter than +275 placed for the league’s top team Milwaukee Bucks.

One of the purple and gold’s missions is to win it for LeBron James, who is eager to go all the way this year after failing to even reach the Playoffs in his first year with the Lakers. Prior to signing with the storied franchise, James had been a main cast member in the NBA Finals for eight straight years. And as he approaches the twilight zone, the 35-year-old is expected to put everything on the line with still a fair amount left in his tank.

“Quite simply, this is perhaps James' last and best chance to win his fourth NBA championship. At 35 and in Year 17 in the league, his hold on the sport can't last forever,” McMenamin added.

With James’ eyes set on the ultimate prize, the rest of the squad - including Cousins back in harness - is expected to rally around the King.

Cousins was also said to be an influential voice inside the Lakers' locker room, and that could neutralize concerns as to his shape and conditioning should the team indeed decide to bring him back right away.