Report: Lakers were in talks with Kings regarding DeMarcus Cousins trade

Per reports from both Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings held discussions involving a trade for DeMarcus Cousins.

Cousins was dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

Shelburne first reported that the Lakers had discussions with the Kings over the 48 hours preceding Sunday night.

The Lakers were engaged today with Sacramento in discussions regarding a trade for Boogie Cousins, but a source… https://t.co/16yzRAslrt

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 20, 2017

Sacramento's price was way too high for Lakers, per source. Makes sense considering what @ESPNSteinLine is reporting NOLA's offer is

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 20, 2017

Wojnarowski corroborated the report, citing the the Kings wanted Brandon Ingram but the Lakers refused to include him in the trade.

Sources: Kings, Lakers discussed parameters on Cousins deal in past 48 hours, but Sacramento ended talks in late afternoon. Pels are focus.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2017

Kings wanted Brandon Ingram in a trade package for Cousins, but Lakers refused to include him, league sources tell @TheVertical.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2017

This ends a long saga involving the Lakers and Kings that saw the two sides linked together countless times in a trade centered around Boogie.

Some of the most serious discussions came around the 2015 Draft when, prior to Draft night, the two sides reportedly talked of a possible package which included the No. 2 pick, which the Lakers used on D’Angelo Russell.

The Kings could have had the second pick in the 2015 Draft for Cousins … and this is what they get for him.

— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) February 20, 2017

The positive takeaway from this is that the Lakers are clearly committed to the future. Many feared the Lakers may mortgage the future for a superstar, but this all but cements the fact that the Lakers are committed from growing within.

With a young core that’s showing lots of promise and a potential draft pick coming again this summer, the Lakers look to be headed in the right direction, no matter how slowly they may be doing it.

For the trade deadline itself, expect a lot more action in the coming days, including from the Lakers who have assets that could help contending teams.