Former Laker Throws in the Towel on NBA Comeback
By Cem Yolbulan
When DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019 offseason, the expectations were high. The All-Star big man was reuniting with his former Pelicans teammate Anthony Davis to form a formidable interior partnership. He had come back from his ACL tear a season ago and was a contributor on the NBA finalists, the Golden State Warriors.
However, Cousins' Lakers tenure never got off to a start. He tore his ACL again in the offseason and was never able to suit up for Los Angeles. He was eventually waived mid-season and the Lakers used that roster spot on veteran forward Markieff Morris. The Lakers went on to win the NBA championship that season.
Cousins' career was never the same after that. He had brief stints with the Rockets, Clippers, Bucks, and the Nuggets, but he was a shell of himself. The significant injuries had taken a toll on the four-time All-Star.
The former Kings star last appeared in an NBA game in the 2022 Playoffs for Denver. Since then, he played in Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and has been trying to get back to the NBA. In his latest remarks, however, he announced that he is done trying.
NBA News: DeMarcus Cousins No Longer Trying to Make NBA Comeback
"I’m not going to go out trying to convince these guys anymore. You know what I bring to the floor. It’s been proven. If you really wanted to know who I am, you’d take the time to get to know me instead of listening to somebody else. I’m past trying to reach out. If an opportunity comes that makes sense, I’ll consider it, but I’m done with the convincing."
- DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins' frustrations are understandable. There are plenty of backup centers in the league that are far less talented and productive than him. He also might have a difficult time coming to terms with the fact that he is not the player he used to be. Teams are generally looking for high effort and defensive chops in their backup big men and Cousins has struggled with that at times.
As fun and exciting as it was to see him on the court, especially on the offensive end, we may have seen the last of Cousins in the NBA. He will remain one of the biggest "what ifs" in recent NBA history.