DeMarcus Cousins isn’t available for a trade. But in hopes of rising from the abyss of a 21-61 season to be competitive in Kobe Bryant’s swan song, that shouldn’t bother the Los Angeles Lakers. Just because the Sacramento Kings aren’t actively shopping their franchise player at the moment, after all, doesn’t mean they won’t ultimately bite the bullet.
Fortunately, the Lakers seem to realize the chance that possibility comes to fruition. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Los Angeles has become a “determined suitor” in the race to acquire Cousins.
The Los Angeles Lajers have emerged as one of the most determined trade suitors for Sacramento Kings All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN that the Lakers have been actively pursuing trade scenarios in recent weeks in attempt to construct a deal that would convince the Kings to part with Cousins.
Despite Kings GM Vlade Divac recently telling the Sacramento Bee that a Cousins trade “is not happening,” Stein reports that the Lakers have engaged Sacramento and the Orlando Magic in early talks of a three-team swap that would land the All-Star big man in Los Angeles.
There have been rumblings ever since George Karl took over in Sacramento that Cousins’ days with the organization could be numbered. Divac has consistently downplayed that talk during his meteoric rise to chief decision-maker, though, even as reports of teams’ interest in the 24-year-old continue to make the rounds. The Boston Celtics have coveted Cousins for months, and there’s been much conjecture that the Denver Nuggets could make a run at him in the wake of hiring former Kings coach Mike Malone.
We’ll keep you updated on this developing story as more details become available.
[Via ESPN]
