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The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off another underwhelming season, although the franchise is confident of turning things around after a successful offseason. Anthony Davis arrived in a blockbuster trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, while the likes of Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee also returned on team-friendly contracts.
Nevertheless, the Lakers are not known for stability, and further moves could be made in the coming months. So, as we quickly approach the new NBA season, here are all the latest Lakers rumors and news you need to know.
DeMarcus Cousins may never play for the Lakers
After proving his fitness with the Golden State Warriors, DeMarcus Cousins hoped to pen a long-term lucrative deal in free agency. However, the four-time All-Star struggled to generate much interest and eventually signed a one-year $3.5 million deal with the Lakers.
The Lakers' acquisition of Cousins was initially praised as one of the best signings of the 2019 offseason, although the 29-year-old has since been ruled out for the entire 19-20 season, and is also dealing with off-court controversy. Evidently, Cousins' future with the franchise is now in doubt, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Lakers have applied for a Disabled Player Exception.
However, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that Cousins is unlikely to ever make an appearance for the team:
The initial plan was to keep the injured big man under contract for as long as possible, perhaps using his salary in trade later in the year (after December 15), but releasing him was always on the table should the team find the opportunity to replace him with a player who will further L.A.’s title chances.
Dwight Howard has already been signed as a replacement for Cousins and the Lakers may want to free up space on the roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Andre Iguodala unlikely to join the Lakers this season
In order to create the necessary cap space to sign D'Angelo Russell, the Golden State Warriors had to send Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies. Nevertheless, the 2015 Finals MVP was expected to agree to a buyout as he looked to finish his career on a contending team, and the Lakers were reported to be among his most likely destinations.
However, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Grizzlies don't want to enter buyout talks with the 35-year-old:
If Iguodala and the Grizzlies fail to agree to a buyout, the Lakers have little chance of signing the veteran due to the $17.1 million that he is owed for the 19-20 season. During the 2019 playoffs, Iguodala averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Anthony Davis is open to playing limited minutes at the five
The Los Angeles Lakers recently completed the signing of Dwight Howard, although concerns remain over the team's options at center. DeMarcus Cousins is sidelined indefinitely, while JaVale McGee has struggled when tasked with playing a larger role.
Due to this, Anthony Davis has faced constant questions as to whether he will play at the five, and the 26-year-old revealed to Yahoo Sports that it is something that he is open to:
I think having JaVale and having DeMarcus before he got hurt and now having Dwight takes pressure off of me and allows me to play and withstand an 82-game season and going into the playoffs. But obviously, if we have to and we’re playing a big lineup where I’m at the five, then I’m willing to do it.
During his final season in New Orleans, Davis spent much of his time playing power forward, averaging 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
