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The Los Angeles Lakers have a big night awaiting them on June 25, as the NBA Draft will take place. The Lakers own the Nos. 2, 27 and 34 overall picks of the draft. With that said, they have the luxury of drafting either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, or they can look to deal the second pick.
A suitor in a trade can be the Sacramento Kings, who have arguably the best center in basketball in DeMarcus Cousins. The Lakers are actively pursuing a trade for the dominant 24-year-old center. They would have to find a team that can involved in a three-way deal, or the Lakers would have to give up their second pick and potentially Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson. If the Lakers find a way to land Cousins without giving up Randle or Clarkson that would be an incredible accomplishment, but it’s possible.
Cousins averaged 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Cousins is the most dominant center in the league, as he is a great scorer, rebounder and makes terrific passes. Cousins had two triple-doubles involving assists in the last month of the season.
Acquiring Cousins is the right choice for the Lakers, as he gives them an immediate franchise player alongside Kobe Bryant. Cousins has the ability to dominate the league for the next decade, and he can help attract big free-agents. Cousins’ problem is that he is lackadaisical on defense at times, as he gambles for steals. Despite lacking effort on defense, he is still an upgrade over Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre there. He ranked second among centers in steals (1.5 SPG) and he averaged 1.6 blocks.
Landing Cousins will come at a high cost, but it is certainly worth taking the chance, as he is a rare talent.
George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @george51391, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
