Report: Lakers refused to include Ingram in Cousins talks with Kings

DeMarcus Cousins was apparently very nearly a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Kings and Lakers engaged in trade discussions surrounding Cousins over the past 48 hours, but talks died after Los Angeles refused to include Brandon Ingram in the potential deal, league sources tell The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. Sacramento ultimately opted to trade the big man to the New Orleans Pelicans instead in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and two picks.

Chosen with the second pick in 2016, Ingram has done little to live up to his draft status in his first professional season, averaging eight points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on just 36.2 percent shooting and 30.4 percent from distance.

It wasn't the first time Los Angeles has tried to acquire Cousins, reportedly discussing a deal back in 2015.