Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis' long-term future remains in doubt, DeMarcus Cousins could still play for the Lakers and more

After signing LeBron James last summer, the Los Angeles Lakers were confident that they would finally return to the playoffs. After making a poor start to the season, the Lakers quickly found form and sat 4th in the Western Conference standings on Christmas Day. However, LeBron suffered the worst injury of his career in the festive win over the Warriors, and the Lakers quickly fell out of playoff contention without their influential superstar.

The organization responded by signing Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade earlier this summer, while the likes of JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Alex Caruso were also bought back. Nevertheless, there is a feeling that the Lakers roster will undergo changes as the season progresses, and plenty of players continue to be linked with a move to Los Angeles.

So, as the 2019-20 NBA season quickly approaches, here are all the latest Lakers rumors you need to know.

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#1 DeMarcus Cousins could still have a future with the team

DeMarcus Cousins spent the 18-19 season with the Golden State Warriors

DeMarcus Cousins was signed by the Lakers to a one-year $3.5 million contract earlier this summer, and L.A.'s acquisition of the four-time All-Star was widely lauded as one of the best moves of the offseason. However, Cousins has since suffered a serious knee injury, while also being hit with serious off-the-court allegations.

Due to this, many had anticipated that the 29-year-old would be waived, although Shams Charania of The Athletic believes that Cousins could still have a future with the organization:

The Lakers want to integrate center DeMarcus Cousins back into the team’s culture, and he is expected to be around the roster during the LeBron James-led minicamp in Las Vegas this week, league sources said.

After making his return with the Warriors last season, Cousins went on to feature 30 times, averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

#2 Anthony Davis still won't commit his future to the Lakers

Anthony Davis during the Los Angeles Lakers' Media Day

Anthony Davis joined in a blockbuster trade from the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this summer and many backed Davis to stay in Los Angeles for the long haul. Nevertheless, Davis revealed earlier this summer that he would consider rival teams in free agency, and during the NBA's Media Day, the 26-year-old once again refused to commit his future to the Lakers:

I just want to focus on this year. The Lakers definitely welcomed me with open arms, and made me feel like this was home. At the same time, it's about what we can do this year.

The Lakers gave up Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and several picks to secure a trade for Davis. The former Pelicans man will become an unrestricted free agent next summer and is expected to draw interest from the likes of the New York Knicks.

#3 Andre Iguodala is unlikely to get a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies

Andre Iguodala impressed for the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Finals

After Andre Iguodala was surprisingly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer, reports immediately suggested that the veteran was a primary buyout target for the Lakers. However, according to Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian, the Grizzlies are determined to find a trade partner rather than giving the 35-year-old a buyout:

Iguodala will remain on the Grizzlies roster, likely well into the season. However, the team agreed the veteran can continue private workouts at a location of his choosing while Memphis pursues trades involving the former Golden State Warrior and NBA Finals MVP.

The 2018-19 regular season was arguably the worst of Iguodala's five-year stay with the Golden State Warriors, although the veteran returned to form as the Warriors reached the 2019 NBA Finals. Without a buyout, the Lakers have virtually no chance of signing Iguodala due to the $17 million that he is owed for the upcoming season.