Basketball is cruel. One minute you're the most dominant force in the paint, and the next, you're a "what if" story. That’s the reality of the LA Lakers DeMarcus Cousins era—if you can even call it an era. Most people remember he was on the team. They remember he got a ring. But if you ask them what he actually did on the court in a purple and gold jersey, the answer is a whole lot of nothing.
Not because he didn't want to. Honestly, it’s one of the most tragic stretches for any superstar in modern NBA history. Cousins didn't just have bad luck; he had a recurring nightmare.
The 2019 Signing: A Match Made in Heaven?
In July 2019, the Lakers were basically a science experiment. They had just landed Anthony Davis in that massive trade with New Orleans. LeBron James was entering year two in LA. The roster needed size, and Cousins—fresh off a weird, injury-shortened stint with the Golden State Warriors—was sitting there in free agency.
Rob Pelinka took the gamble. He signed Cousins to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
On paper? It was terrifying. You had AD at the four and "Boogie" at the five. They had already played together in New Orleans, and for a brief window, they were the Twin Towers 2.0. They were friends. They had chemistry. LeBron was calling Boogie the "best big man in our game" just a couple of seasons prior. Everyone thought the Lakers had just secured the steal of the summer.
Then came August.
Cousins was working out in Las Vegas. He wasn't even in a game. He was just doing what players do—training. A bump, a weird landing, and a pop. Torn ACL. Just like that, his season was over before training camp even started. The Lakers were forced to pivot, eventually signing Dwight Howard, who actually ended up being a massive part of their championship run.
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Did DeMarcus Cousins Get a Ring?
This is the part that always trips people up. Technically, yes. But it’s complicated.
Cousins spent the first half of the 2019-2020 season rehabbing with the team. He was in the locker room. He was on the bench. He was basically a very expensive, very tall assistant coach. However, the business of the NBA is cold. In February 2020, the Lakers needed a roster spot to sign Markieff Morris. To make room, they waived DeMarcus Cousins.
Because he was on the roster for a significant portion of the year, the Lakers still gave him a championship ring after they beat the Heat in the Orlando Bubble.
- He never played a single minute.
- He didn't travel to the Bubble.
- He was officially a free agent when the trophy was lifted.
It’s one of those weird NBA trivia facts. He’s a champion, but he didn't play a second of basketball for the team that won it.
The Failed 2023 Comeback
Fast forward a few years. Cousins bounced around—Houston, the Clippers, Milwaukee, Denver. He was still productive in spots, but he wasn't "Boogie" anymore. In early 2023, rumors started swirling that a reunion with the LA Lakers and DeMarcus Cousins was on the table.
The Lakers were struggling with depth behind AD. They brought Cousins in for a workout. Fans were hyped. It felt like a chance for a do-over. But the team passed. They signed Tristan Thompson instead. It was a clear sign that the NBA's view of Cousins had shifted from "elite talent with injury concerns" to "veteran whose body might not hold up to the speed of the modern game."
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Why the "What If" Matters
If Cousins stays healthy in 2019, the Lakers might not have signed Dwight Howard. Think about that. Dwight was the primary defender on Nikola Jokic in the Western Conference Finals. Would Cousins have been able to provide that level of defensive intensity? Probably not. He was always an offensive-first big man.
The injury changed the entire trajectory of the Lakers' championship defense. It forced them to become a more defensive-minded, "bruiser" style team with Dwight and JaVale McGee.
Actionable Insights for Lakers Fans
If you're looking back at this era or tracking how the Lakers build rosters today, keep these things in mind:
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- Look at the "Room Exception": The Lakers often use low-risk, high-reward contracts for big men. This started with the Cousins signing and has continued with players like Christian Wood.
- Health is the Only Stat That Matters: When evaluating free agent signings, stop looking at "prime" stats. Cousins’ 21.2 points and 10.9 rebounds career averages didn't matter because his availability was zero.
- The "Vibe" Factor: Cousins remained close with AD and LeBron, which is why his name always pops up in rumors. In the NBA, who you know is often as important as how you play.
The story of the LA Lakers and DeMarcus Cousins is a reminder that in the NBA, championship windows can open and close based on a single workout in August. He got the ring, but he never got the moment.
To understand where the Lakers are going next with their frontcourt, watch how they handle the upcoming trade deadline. They are still searching for that elusive "big" who can take the pressure off Anthony Davis—the same role they hoped Cousins would fill seven years ago.