How the Lakers Can Save Money on DeMarcus Cousins' Salary for Next Season

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't even played a game with their new lineup, but their commitment to DeMarcus Cousins is already looking like a major loss and potentially a sunk cost, as the former All-NBA big man is at risk of misssing the entire 2019-20 season with an ACL tear.

There is a way for the Lakers to at least get SOMETHING back for Cousins, however, and it's worth noting that the player took noticeably less than market value to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis for $3.5 million. By filing for the Disabled Player Exception, or DPE, the Lakers have an opportunity to save around $1.75 million against the cap.

The Los Angeles Lakers can file for the Disabled Player Exception (DPE) on DeMarcus Cousins. However, because Cousins salary is only $3.5M, the DPE would only be worth $1.75M. The NBA would need to deem Cousins out until June 15 for the exception to be... https://t.co/LHprpH831p
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 15, 2019

That sum isn't much, and won't get you a player anywhere near the neighborhood of Boogie's talent, but it's at least a step for the Lakers to either add another young big on a two-way deal or sign a veteran for the league minimum.

Or, if they want to get really crazy, they can go big-game hunting. Could this be the move that brings... yes, CARMELO ANTHONY to LA?

Melo and dwight are coming
— Luis Alvarez Serrano (@luisio1982) August 15, 2019

While the Lakers can and will be fine after this, it's hard not to feel for Cousins, who may never reclaim his All-NBA form following two major injuries.