On Sunday, what ended up being an insane superstar trade almost became an 11th-hour job save. As reports came speeding out during the All-Star game, one included the Lakers being in talks with the Kings about DeMarcus Cousins. This, apparently, was not some quick check in on the Lakers chances of landing Cousins. According to Sam Amick of USA Today, trade discussions were an attempt from the Lakers brass to save their jobs.
Going after DeMarcus Cousins was Jim & Mitch’s last-ditch attempt to save their jobs, I’m told. Jim really wanted him, Mitch handled talks
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 21, 2017
In an already thoroughly depressing turn of events for Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak, what is said to have ended the talks is even sadder. The refusal to include Brandon Ingram in the deal, according to the Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, is what made the deal fall through.
Kings wanted Brandon Ingram in a trade package for Cousins, but Lakers refused to include him, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 20, 2017
This is an interesting footnote not only because following this, Mitch and Jim ended up being relieved of their jobs in favor of Magic Johnson but because Brandon Ingram was the sole determiner. One would assume all cards would be on the table in an attempt to snag DeMarcus Cousins. What is not known is what else was involved in the deal. It is possible they believed the trade would hurt the Lakers in the long run. It is possible they took into account the well-being of the franchise over their own. I suppose you die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Unfortunately, I don’t think Mitch and Jim will be known as either.
