Report: Lakers Still Want to Integrate DeMarcus Cousins Into Team Culture

Despite the fact that injured center DeMarcus Cousins may not play at all during the 2019-20 season, members of the Los Angeles Lakers are planning on keeping him connected to the organization.

One of those ways is by inviting the veteran to the team’s minicamp in Las Vegas.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the move was to allow Cousins to bond with the other Lakers players during the precursor to the official opening of training camp:

“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.”

Cousins tore his ACL last month while preparing for his first season with the Lakers, who signed him to a one-year contract in July. The injury was severe enough that he could end up missing the entire upcoming year.

In addition to the physical rehabilitation that he’s currently undergoing, Cousins must also deal with legal trouble involving the mother of his child.

Last week, the Lakers received word that they will receive a $1.75 million disabled player exception due to Cousins’ injury. That could aid them when it comes to signing a player who’s been bought out of his contract by another NBA team.