Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins has been recovering from a serious knee injury all season.
While it was initially assumed that his ACL tear would keep him off the court for the entire 2019-20 campaign, there had been slight indications that the Los Angeles Lakers thought a return was possible.
Now, it appears that the Lakers do in fact believe he will be able to play in the playoffs.
Frank Vogel: “DeMarcus Cousins is on track to return by playoffs.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) February 18, 2020
This is fantastic news for a Lakers squad that is preparing for what they hope is a championship run.
Cousins, who first became a star for the Sacramento Kings, has suffered several serious lower-body injuries over the last few years.
He played just 48 games in the 2017-18 season as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans before he ruptured his Achilles.
Last season, he played just 30 regular season games and eight playoff games for the Golden State Warriors.
While he signed with the Lakers this past summer, he has yet to suit up for a game as a member of the team. Cousins tore his ACL in mid-August.
The University of Kentucky product is averaging 21.2 points, 10.9 rebounds. 3.2 assists. 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game for his career.
If he is able to return to play this postseason, surely there will be no expectation for him to produce at a high level.
Still, if he is able to display the skill and athleticism he has shown throughout his NBA career, he could become a major weapon in the Lakers’ title bid.
