The NBA has reportedly granted the Los Angeles Lakers a $1.75 million disabled player exception for the likely season-ending injury to DeMarcus Cousins.
While the Lakers had quite an offseason in trading for Anthony Davis, Cousins' injury back in August certainly wasn't ideal since the team expected him to play a key role during the 2019-20 season.
Los Angeles applied for the exception a week ago, and it appears that the league granted the request due to Cousins' injury status, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Lakers have been granted a disabled player exception worth $1.75M from the NBA for the expected season-ending ACL injury to DeMarcus Cousins, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. It expires on March 10, 2020.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 19, 2019
Cousins played in 30 games last season for the Golden State Warriors, averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Adding Cousins to the mix this season undoubtedly would've given the Lakers a nice frontcourt boost alongside Davis, especially considering the rapport between the two former New Orleans Pelicans stars.
Article Continues BelowHowever, Dwight Howard rejoined the Lakers this offseason as well, and he figures to play a prominent role due to Cousins' absence. JaVale McGree is also back after averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season.
Of course, seeing Cousins sidelined once again because of injury isn't fun for NBA fans, as he's certainly one of the most talented players in the league.
Los Angeles will try to get back on track this season in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
With Davis joining LeBron James, anything less would be a disappointment for the Lakers.