Lakers in hot pursuit of DeMarcus Cousins

According to multiple sources ,  the Lakers are doing all they can to reach some type of agreement with the Kings in order to bring Cousins to the city of Angels. As one can assume, the biggest standstill could possibly be whether or not the Lakers are willing to give up their number 2 pick. If the Lakers can manage to receive Cousins AND keep their pick this year, they will be much improved. If this were to happen, it would be believed that the Lakers would at that point select point guard D'angelo Russell. The tandem between Russell and Cousins would give Kobe life , and give the Lakers two stepping stones to build around for the future.

If the Lakers are unable to do both, they would more than likely have to give up that #2 pick. If this is the case , they still receive one of the top centers in the league. The Lakers hope that this would entice players to consider during free agency of 2015 and 2016.

Rising Superstar: DeMarcus Cousins

Guess who was named player of the week?! DeMarcus Cousins has averaged Cousins has managed nearly 26 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assist, and 2 blocks this week. As Cousins continues to improve, he is definitely an all-star caliber player. But will he ever become a superstar?

Stats Coming Together

  DeMarcus Cousins has statistically improved each and every year. In Cousins' rookie year , he was able to average 14 points and 8 rebounds per game. In both the 2011 and 2013 season, Cousins averaged 11 rebounds per game, not to mention scoring nearly 20 points per game along with those rebounds. Cousins possesses the ability to consistently put up 20 points and 10 rebounds each and every night, even quietly. Given that Cousins is years away from reaching his prime, his statline could resemble something similar to this: 28.2 ppg, 15.6 rpg. , 2.1 blkpg.

Maturity

   Cousins has managed to mature as  a leader both on the court and in the locker room. Early in his career, Cousins well known to throw tantrums every so often. In 2012 , Cousins was sent home from a game because he was "unwilling" to go along with the direction of the team. In the 2012-2013  season, Cousins led the league for most technical fouls (16). However, despite the problems, Cousins still managed to average 17ppg. and 9.9 rpg. The Kings organization could quickly see that Cousins has a boatload of talent, but had a bad attitude that went along with it. Between the 2014 season and this season, DeMarcus has been very good.  He was even in attendance to support Rudy Gay after Gay received a contract extension from the Kings. Slowly but surely, Cousins has turned into a guy that many people look up to in the locker room.

Why Not Cousins?

   At just 24, Cousins is already noted by many  as a Top 3 Center in the league. By the end of the season, look for Cousins to be in contention to make the All NBA first or second team , and an All-Star game appearance. With his game improving year after year, Cousins WILL , I repeat WILL become a superstar in the NBA.