The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

SINCE DeMarcus Cousins stepped foot in the league, it was obvious that he was one of the most talented big men.

And his prior experience playing with Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo in New Orleans was a major factor in him coming to the Lakers after his lone season with the Golden State Warriors.

Despite Cousins’ talent however, he has had limited team success due to injuries over the past year and-a-half.

Couple that with reported attitude issues and consistently being among the league leaders in technical fouls earlier in his career, there will be questions in abundance.

“It kind of feels normal to me. I feel like I’ve been trying to show and prove myself my entire career,” Cousins said on a conference call with the LA media.

“I feel like I’m still at that point. I feel I do better under pressure. When the odds are against me, I feel like the best of me comes out. Whatever comes at me, I’ll just try to prepare myself for it the best way I can and face it head on.”

Despite the naysayers, Cousins has been lauded as an excellent teammate by those who have played with him.

The fact Davis and Rondo recruited him to the Lakers after their time together in New Orleans is proof.

Cousins doesn’t seem concerned about his roll on the team at this stage either.

“Honestly, I’m just coming in and doing whatever I can to help the team go to the next level and win some games on a nightly basis, I’ll leave those decisions to the coaching staff.

“I’ll come in and control what I can control, which is my effort every night, my work ethic, etc.

“When my name is called upon, I’ll be ready.”

This one-year deal is a low risk move for the Lakers, with the potential for high reward.

If Cousins can return to even 80 per cent of his peak form, the team has an All-Star centre on their hands.

A motivated, healthy, in-shape Cousins is a problem for the rest of the league but, more importantly, that makes him a huge difference-maker for the Lakers.

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