With DeMarcus Cousins’ latest severe injury, he’s becoming a ‘what-if’ All-Star

The hope surrounding former teammate Klay Thompson following his ACL injury doesn't appear to be in abundance for Cousins, in part because of the road he took to get here and the delicate position his body appears to be in. This season was supposed to be the first step in being rightfully rewarded by the basketball gods, a salvation from past sins due to reputation or petulance. Playing as a necessary but not overly ridden sidekick to LeBron James and Anthony Davis would've provided the perfect forum: With James as the ultimate table-setter and Davis commanding interior attention, Cousins was going to feast, and the Lakers were going to benefit.