Report: DeMarcus Cousins, Meyers Leonard impressive during Lakers workouts

DeMarcus Cousins and Meyers Leonard were impressive during workouts with the Lakers, coach Darvin Ham told reporters, including Dave McMenamin of ESPN, after Saturday’s practice. 

Both free-agent centers auditioned Friday for L.A., which is seeking front court help with Anthony Davis sidelined by a foot injury.

“They both looked great,” Ham said. “Whether or not we’re able to do something with them is a different story. But we’re constantly trying to kick the tires on different scenarios.”

Cousins, a six-time All-Star, is hoping for another NBA opportunity at age 32 after playing for the Bucks and Nuggets last season. 

McMenamin notes that Cousins signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2019, but an injury suffered during that summer prevented him from playing. 

Even though he was waived in February of that season, he remained close to the team and received a championship ring when L.A. won the title.

Leonard, 30, is hoping to revive his career after being out of the league since 2021 due to injuries and the fallout from an antisemitic slur. 

During that time, he has been rehabbing after shoulder and ankle surgeries, according to McMenamin, and working to repair his reputation.

There’s more on the Lakers:

• Sterling Brown‘s 10-day contract will expire Sunday night, and Ham was non-committal when asked if the team plans to keep him on the roster, McMenamin adds. Brown, who also played for Ham when he was an assistant coach with the Bucks, has gone scoreless in four games with L.A. while averaging 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 6.0 minutes per night. “It depends on our health status and what we feel comfortable doing and making as a next step,” Ham said. The Lakers currently have a full roster and would need to open up a spot before they could sign Cousins or Leonard.
• Davis, who has been out of action since Dec. 16, did some on-court work during Saturday’s practice, tweets Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. Ham said Davis is “trending in the right direction.”
• Austin Reaves, who’s dealing with a strained left hamstring, was able to do individual drills at practice Saturday, tweets Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times. Ham said Lonnie Walker is making progress toward returning from left knee tendinitis. Both players are projected to have their conditions reevaluated sometime this week.