A former Los Angeles Laker shockingly alluded that he may be ready to give up on a return to the NBA.
In today's fast-paced NBA, the art of the physically dominant big man appears to be fading away. With power forwards and centers becoming more athletic, a part of the 2020 Championship team who made his mark in the league off brute strength may have been forced out of the league -- and he weighed in on the situation.
“I’m not going to go out trying to convince these guys anymore,” Cousins said on the "Club 520 podcast" Monday. “You know what I bring to the floor. It’s been proven. If you really wanted to know who I am, you’d take the time to get to know me instead of listening to somebody else. I’m past trying to reach out. If an opportunity comes that makes sense, I’ll consider it, but I’m done with convincing.”
Cousins made a brief stop with the Lakers during the team’s championship season in 2020. The Kentucky product didn’t get the chance to make an impact with the loaded Los Angeles team, but he was gifted a championship ring for his short tenure. Now, Cousins finds himself on the outside looking in as the league seemingly after the 6-foot-10 center became a shell of his former self.
The 34-year-old could hypothetically still make an impact on select teams across the league, but it appears that he may see the writing on the wall. Just a few years ago, someone of his caliber could dominate -- but the former Laker's play style quickly became outdated.
If Cousins were to retire today, he’d leave the game as a 4x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, and a 2x Gold Medalist.
More NBA: NBA legend believes that Suns can reach the next level by adding Pacers superstar point guard
