As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly applied for a disabled player exception for the recent ACL injury sustained by DeMarcus Cousins, which is expected to sideline the 29-year-old for an extended period. This is via Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium:

This does not come as a surprise whatsoever, with Cousins looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines. As a matter of fact, the belief is the 6-foot-11 big man will miss the entirety of the upcoming season.

For L.A., this is a move that will provide them with a bit more maneuverability on their books, given they still need to pay Cousins the $3.5 million he is owed for the coming campaign. ESPN's Bobby Marks was quick to point out the strategy the Lakers will likely use with this exception. L.A. currently has a full roster, but things could change in February when the buyout market opens up after the trade deadline:

Dwight Howard was signed in the wake of Boogie's injury, making him the next man up for L.A. Howard does not have the best history with the Lakers, but at this point, both parties will be letting bygones be bygones in the hopes of embarking on a much-improved working relationship this time around. Howard's contract isn't guaranteed, so he'll have to prove he's worthy in order to make the roster.