Lakers release statement about taking Cousins allegations ‘seriously’

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a statement in response to an alleged recording posted on Tuesday morning by TMZ involving injured center DeMarcus Cousins and the mother of his 4-year old son. Following the report from TMZ, USA TODAY learned that the allegations are being investigated by an Alabama police agency.

Cousins was married over the weekend to his wife Morgan Lang, but TMZ posted story where Christy West, the mother of Cousins’ child, alleged that Cousins made death threats to her after she refused to let their son attend Cousins’ wedding this past weekend. Then late on Tuesday morning, the Lakers made a statement that they are taking the allegations  “seriously.”

Lakers' statement on the @TMZ_Sports report on DeMarcus Cousins: "We are aware of the allegation involving DeMarcus Cousins and, of course, take this claim seriously. We are in the process of gathering information and will reserve further comment at this time."

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) August 27, 2019

The Lakers signed Cousins over the summer for a 1-year, $3.5 million contract. He was slated to be the team’s starting center before suffering a torn ACL earlier this month. The Lakers signed former All-Star center Dwight Howard to a non-guaranteed contract to help fill in for Cousins.