DeMarcus Cousins to Reportedly Remain With Lakers for Injury Rehab Despite Being Waived

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a bomb on Friday night when he reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were waving big man DeMarcus Cousins, who is still rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered shortly after signing with the team in the offseason.

Though Cousins will not play a part in the Purple and Gold's quest for a championship, it's expected that he will remain with the organization as he continues his recovery.

The Lakers are doing Boogie a solid. ? https://t.co/k4sfskj2Aj pic.twitter.com/uF0hWG7dbL
— theScore (@theScore) February 22, 2020

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, league rules state than an injured player whose been waived is allowed to use that franchise's facilities during their rehab process.

While the Lakers are undoubtedly doing Boogie a favor, it's understood that the franchise is keen on keeping him around the squad because of his leadership presence in the locker room.

NBA rules allow a player waived when injured to continue rehabbing with that team. DeMarcus Cousins is unlikely to be formally released by the Lakers until Sunday ... and is expected to be granted access to keep using Laker facilities in his comeback from an ACL tear if needed
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 22, 2020

The Lakers plan on waiving the former No. 5 overall pick in order to clear a roster spot for Markieff Morris, who became available after agreeing to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons.

Though his Lakers career will end without a game under his belt, Cousins can take solace in the fact the organization isn't crude enough to just kick him to the curb.

He has his professionalism to thank for that.