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Los Angeles Lakers: Is DeMarcus Cousins set for a playoff return?

By Ashley Hooper

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Injured Los Angeles Lakers DeMarcus Cousins #15 works out shooting prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Injured Los Angeles Lakers DeMarcus Cousins #15 works out shooting prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Per Frank Vogel, DeMarcus Cousins is “on track to get healthy by the playoffs.” Does a healthy Cousins make the Los Angeles Lakers the clear favorites for not only the Western Conference Finals but the Championship in its entirety?

When Demarcus Cousins was picked up at the beginning of the season by the Los Angeles Lakers,  it was clear that if he was to find the form he produced in Sacramento and in New Orleans, he would be a huge offensive asset to the Lakers going into what was to be a championship-chasing season with arguably the two best players in the league in Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Averaging a career 21.2 points and 8.1 rebounds, Cousins is an elite center within the NBA so surely there should be no question as to whether or not his return would bolster the Lakers roster.

However, after tearing his ACL in a Las Vegas workout in pre-season Cousins has played no part in the Lakers’ 41-12 start; a start that has been built on team chemistry, a tight-knit group of players and a ‘Win at all costs’ mentality.

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Adding a player like Cousins in as late as the playoffs could undo all that. Yes, as we have all seen that Cousins has been around the team all season. He clearly has a great connection with LeBron James and the team. However, this does not take away from the fact that he will have played zero NBA minutes with this roster.

Also, one of the shining lights of this season has been that of Dwight Howard. Howard is averaging 7.8 points and 7.8 blocks this season and has been nothing short of a revelation on the defensive end.

He is a new man, a man who has accepted his role and will do anything to win and help his team. Bringing Cousins into the fold will, of course, take valuable minutes away from Howard.

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Another factor in all of this is that of DeMarcus Cousins own health, as written by Harrison Faigen at Silver Screen and Roll, “would it really be wise for him to risk another injury by rushing back for a team he hasn’t played for all year, given his history of issues in this leg?”

Next. Biggest concerns during the path to the finals. dark

Demarcus could well be a big factor for the Los Angeles Lakers next season if re-signed or he has the opportunity to potentially get paid elsewhere. Risking himself and the team for a few playoff games may not be the smartest move for him and his future within the NBA.

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