The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to recoup at least some of the money they lost when center DeMarcus Cousins went down with a torn ACL last month. With Cousins out for the season, the Lakers are asking the league for a Disabled Player Exception, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
If the application by the Lakers is accepted, the team would then be able to sign another player for half of Cousins’ annual salary, which is about $1.75 million. However, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers would still have to cut someone to use the exception.
While the disabled player exception would allow the Lakers to pay a player with half of Cousins’ annual salary, they would still have to have an open roster spot. However, since Cousins’ contract is guaranteed they may just buy him out in order to create an open roster spot if needed.
It’s a stretch to assume something will happen right away if the application does get approved, but the Lakers will definitely have another option if the league OKs their grievance.
