DeMarcus Cousins has a Torn ACL; What’s Next?

DeMarcus Cousins has torn his ACL. This puts his availability for next season with the Lakers in jeopardy. There is also not a timeline for surgery.

Cousins reportedly met with the Los Angeles Lakers medical staff which confirmed that he had torn the ACL.

After just signing a one-year contract with the Lakers many wonder how much longer Cousins will be in the league. In the past year and a half, this is Cousins’ third serious leg injury. Cousins tore his left Achilles in January 2018 and had a quadriceps tear this past April.

The Lakers will have to change their game plan heading into the season now. Anthony Davis will likely play more minutes in the Center position while JaVale McGee will be playing back up.

What now?

At 29 years old Cousins has had a lot of injury struggles. Cousins was once considered one of the best Centers in the league. So, where does he go from here?

Cousins in the 2019 NBA Finals. Photo credited to Getty Images.

There are unfortunately not many options left for the four-time All-Star. The safest route for Cousins to take would be to retire within the next season or so. Cousins has made his money throughout his career and now should be looking toward the future. If he were to continue suffering these leg injuries there is no telling how this could impact him when he is older.

Another decision that could work would be taking a minimum contract while playing limited minutes. This would be an ideal situation as Cousins would be able to play, just not at the level that he has been. If he were to float around the league playing for minimum contracts. Something a lot like Derrick Rose has been doing. Nobody could fault him for that. That could also change the narrative of Cousins being a ring chaser. In some ways it may change how we remember his career.

It is unfortunate that fans are robbed another year of watching one of the better Centers to ever play in the NBA. After coming back from his torn quadriceps in the Finals it was obvious that Cousins could still compete. Hopefully, Cousins is able to make an excellent recovery. But, nobody should fault him if he decides to retire sooner rather than later.

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!