Why is DeMarcus Cousins getting death threats? Former NBA star shares concern following comments involving Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers may be sitting comfortably in third place in the Western Conference, but that position has quite a few serious holes. Defensively, the team has struggled all season, and for a franchise chasing championships, this is a worrying sign. Many believe the Lakers need a young, fast, and aggressive player to raise their defense level if they truly want to compete in the playoffs.


That belief has naturally fueled trade rumors, and once again, Austin Reaves’ name has been dragged into the conversation. Reaves is arguably the Lakers’ most valuable trade asset, but he is also one of the most loved players by the fanbase. Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins recently made it clear that even talking about trading Reaves is dangerous, something he learned the hard way after facing extreme backlash for his past comments.

Why Dillon Brooks keeps coming up in trade talks?

With the Phoenix Suns struggling badly this season, Dillon Brooks' future has become a hot topic. Brooks has been quite impressive this past season, averaging 21.2 points (approx.), per game. His defense and energy stand out, especially on a team that has little else going right. Many fans feel that his talent is just being wasted.


From a purely basketball point of view, Dillon Brooks looks like a great fit for the Lakers. He can defend well, run, and also score when needed. Those qualities are exactly what the Lakers seem to lack as of now. That’s why some fans and sports analysts argue that swapping Reaves for a more natural player could fix the team’s defensive issues and help them make a better play.

Why trading Austin Reaves would be a huge mistake?

Despite being sidelined for an injury that could keep him out for over a month, Austin Reaves has been sensational this season. Reaves is averaging 26.6 points per game and has proven that he can lead the offense when LeBron James and Luka Doncic are unavailable. From running to closing games under pressure, Reaves has shown confidence and maturity beyond his age.


DeMarcus Cousins made himself clear with his honesty and humor. “Last time I made a suggestion on Austin Reaves, I received death threats”, he said, before admitting he would never doubt “Hillbilly Kobe” again. Beyond scoring, Reaves also brings leadership and heart to the game. Even injured, he remains fully committed to his team's success. Trading him wouldn’t just hurt sentiments, it could cost the Lakers something far more valuable than defense, that is, their identity.


Also Read: Trade rumors swirl with Warriors’ interest in Anthony Davis, reluctant to trade Butler or Green