History has an interesting way of bringing things together again. The Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo, and DeMarcus Cousins trio was short-lived with the New Orleans Pelicans, but it’ll be back in Staples Center. In a recent interview with Spectrum Sportsnet as transcribed by The Athletic’s Bill Oram, he spoke about his time with both.
On conference call with reporters, DeMarcus Cousins says he had multiple conversations with Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo about reuniting in LA. He and AD had frequently discussed playing together again and that they didn’t want it to end the first time.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) July 11, 2019
The three led the Pelicans to a 48-34 season including an upset series win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Cousins missed the playoffs due to injury. One year and one team later, he’s now on a one-year deal looking to show that his health and skill are back in order. Cousins seems to be recovering well to start the summer per LakersNation reporter Matthew Moreno.
DeMarcus Cousins: "My quad is 100% healed. … My goal is to play 82 games this season."
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) July 11, 2019
Chemistry can never be overstated. Every contending team has knits of players that build a contagious bond amongst the roster. The experience between Rondo, Cousins, and Davis will help the Lakers cause and spark early camaraderie.
Last season they clearly came apart of the seams, mostly driven by trade rumors and security. The team now seems poised to build for the future. If Cousins can come in contributing, he could very well be in that long-term view.