Lakers Rumors: Davis Won't Play 'Big Minutes' at Center After Cousins Injury

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to fill the hole created after center DeMarcus Cousins tore the ACL in his left knee Monday, forward Anthony Davis reportedly will not see a major change in his role.

According to NBA TV's Jared Greenberg, Los Angeles does not expect Davis to play "big minutes" at center in 2019-20. Cousins—who signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal in the offseason after one year with the Golden State Warriors—may miss the entire season.

At 6'10" and 253 pounds, Davis could play the 5 and spent 96 percent of his time at center last season, but he told reporters the following: "I like playing the 4. I'm not even going to sugarcoat it. I like playing the 4. I don't really like playing the 5."

But he added, "If it comes down to it, Coach [Frank Vogel], and you need me to play the 5, then I'll play the 5."

Vogel said Davis would only do so "situationally."

Los Angeles added Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Avery Bradley, Troy Daniels and Jared Dudley (along with Cousins) to pair with AD and LeBron James this offseason, but those players don't offer much size.

JaVale McGee figures to start at the 5, but beyond that, rookie Devontae Cacok (6'7", 240 lbs) is the only other player on the roster listed as a center. Kostas Antetokounmpo and rookie Aric Holman are each listed at 6'10".

Of note, former Lakers coach Luke Walton experimented with playing Kyle Kuzma at center in a small-ball lineups last season. Otherwise, expect L.A. to add a big, and B/R's Greg Swartz outlined five guys who should top the list.