LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings goes up for a dunk during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 14, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Reportedly Discussed DeMarcus Cousins Deal with Kings

Rob GoldbergFeb 19, 2017

The Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly among the many teams interested in a trade for DeMarcus Cousins Sunday, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported the Sacramento Kings traded the All-Star center to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Shelburne noted the Lakers dropped out of the running due to the high cost. Wojnarowski reported the unwillingness to include Brandon Ingram in a deal is what hurt the Lakers' chances.

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Marc Stein of ESPN broke down the Pelicans package that the Lakers apparently couldn't match:

Cousins only played two minutes in Sunday's All-Star Game, scoring three points on 1-of-3 shooting. Everyone else in the game played at least 10 minutes.

The 26-year-old is currently averaging a career-high 27.8 points per game to go with 10.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He is set to be a free agent after the 2017-18 season.

Meanwhile, the Lakers still have a quality young core with Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. However, they will have to remain on the lookout for a truly game-changing player to add to the roster.