NBA News Roundup, Monday, April 15th: Kemba Walker to Join Mavericks?, Lakers Step Up Head Coach Search and More

The 2019 playoffs are now in full swing as all 16 participants have completed their first game of the postseason. The Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic appear to be among the teams who could pull off a first-round surprise, whereas both the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors impressed during comfortable wins.

Elsewhere, already eliminated teams are gearing up for potential pivotal summers, with teams focused on both the upcoming draft and one of the most exciting pool of free agents in recent memory. So, here are all the stories from around the NBA that you need to know for April 15th.

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Steve Kerr plays down concerns over DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins made his postseason debut during Golden State's win over the Los Angeles Clippers

Despite being among the NBA's best center's for more than half a decade, DeMarcus Cousins had to wait until Saturday night to make his playoff debut. However, Cousins much anticipated postseason debut was disappointing as the 28-year-old recorded just nine points and nine rebounds on 4-for-12 shooting before fouling out after just 21 minutes.

Despite this, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has backed his starting center to bounce back for tonight's Game 2 matchup:

I don’t need to say anything to DeMarcus. It was a frustrating night for him, fouling out, a couple tough calls,” Kerr said. “But it was important for him to get his feet wet and feel the playoffs, feel the energy and I have no doubt he’ll come back and play a lot better in Game 2.

Cousins entered the 18/19 season coming off a serious Achilles injury that few bigs had previously recovered from. Nevertheless, Cousins has been a regular starter for the Warriors since returning in January, averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per game.

Lakers and Cavaliers both interested in Juwan Howard

Howard has been an assistant coach with the Miami Heat since 2013

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are currently searching for a new head coach. Over the last week, the Cavs parted ways with interim coach Larry Drew, while the Lakers opted to fire Luke Walton after three consecutive losing seasons.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that both franchises are interested in appointing Miami assistant Juwan Howard as new head coach:

The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin conducting interviews in their coaching search this week, including meetings with Miami assistant Juwan Howard and Dallas assistant Jamahl Mosley, league sources told ESPN. The Lakers have also received permission from the Heat to interview Howard, a source told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

The Lakers are also believed to be looking at appointing Monty Williams as head coach, whereas Wojnarowski's ESPN report also states that the Cavs have a lengthy shortlist of their own.

Dallas Mavericks considered front runners for Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker can walk away from the Charlotte Hornets during his upcoming free agency

Kemba Walker was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) in the 2011 draft, and he has since developed into an All-Star. This season, Walker was once again the team's lone shining light during another difficult season -- as Charlotte missed out on the postseason for the fourth time in the past five years.

Nevertheless, Walker is about to become an unrestricted free agent and Sam Amico of Amico Hoops is reporting that the Dallas Mavericks are the most likely team to prize Walker away from his longtime home.

The 28-year-old has also been strongly linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, however, Walker is only believed to be a backup option to other high profile free agents such as Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving.