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

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.

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.