Late last night, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings reportedly had some ‘framework’ for a potential deal that would send DeMarcus Cousins to the Los Angeles Lakers for Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and the #2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Now, it appears the deal has actually hit a roadblock that might end up being a good thing for the Lakers. Julius Randle, who missed all of last season due to injury, appears to have made some big strides and might be the deciding factory in a potential deal for Cousins coming to the Lakers.
Following from Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.
I'm hearing there's only a 10% chance of Cousins-to-Lakers trade taking place today. Kings want a lot for their All-Star center.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 25, 2015
Lakers unwilling to part with Julius Randle in Cousins trade talks. He's lost 20 pounds and his outside shot has improved. A lot.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 25, 2015
Whether you believe the Lakers are giving up way too much for Cousins or not, it is a valid argument up for debate. Clarkson, Randle and the 2nd overall pick is a nice young nucleus to build on alongside Kobe Bryant for the immediate future and beyond. The thing is, how quick will that core become great?
Bringing Cousins in is a good thing to do for any organization, but do the Lakers really want to continue to just trade for big names and bring in everyone and their mother to play for them? It might be time for Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers to build on what they have rather than giving up what could be.
