Harden: No playoff pressure, ‘ready to hoop’

DeMarcus Cousins has had a few NBA workouts, but none have led to a contract. That’s something that puzzles and bothers Cousins.

“That’s honestly my biggest issue. That’s kind of the untold secret of the NBA,” Cousins said on SiriusXM Radio when asked why he doesn’t have an NBA roster spot. “I’m the type of guy that whenever I go through my hard times, my hardships, I look at myself first. What can I do to better myself? That’s something I pride myself on.”

Cousins said the harder part is that he can’t get a straight answer from teams either.

“I’ve asked many questions. I’ve reached out to former teams. I kind of get sugar coated answers. I can never really get the raw honest truth,” Cousins said. “I’ve struggled with that as well. I would love to get a real answer.”

The 12-year veteran finished last season with the Denver Nuggets. In 48 total games between Denver and the Milwaukee Bucks, Cousins averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 15 minutes per game.

J.J. Redick has agreed to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Redick was offered the job by Rob Pelinka on Thursday morning.

According to The Athletic, Redick will make approximately $8 million per year on the deal.

The Lakers and Redick plan on surrounding him with an elite coaching staff to help his learning curve in what is his first coaching job. Redick previously interviewed with the Toronto Raptors in 2023, and with the Charlotte Hornets during this coaching cycle. Redick’s only coaching experience has been with his son’s youth basketball team.

Redick had been linked to the Lakers’ job since May when they parted ways with Darvin Ham. James Borrego and Dan Hurley were the other leading candidates for the job. Hurley was reportedly offered the job on a six-year, $70 million deal that he declined in order to remain at UConn. Sam Cassell, Micah Nori, David Adelman and Chris Quinn also conducted virtual meetings.

Redick hosted a podcast with LeBron James during the second half of the 23-24 season. James is currently expected to become a free agent and re-sign with the Lakers on a multi-year deal.