While the NBA’s upcoming return is a continuation of the ‘paused’ season, it still feels like it’s new considering the long lay-off.

The league office probably realized that as they are giving teams a “transaction window” to bring guys into their roster, which will begin on June 22nd. It’s more inclusive than the 22-team return too since the eight eliminated teams can also participate.

Of course, just like a typical free agency or trading period, rumors about who’s going which team is in the airwaves. Among the hottest right away is the potential reunion between DeMarcus Cousins and the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran big man, as you may remember, was with the Lakers earlier in the season while rehabbing a torn ACL. He was waived back in February to make way for signing Markieff Morris.

Here’s Dave McMenamin of ESPN discussing all the boost that Boogie could provide:

With the extra time off to rehab, combined with potential expanded rosters, will Cousins make his return to L.A.? The former All-Star center would give the Lakers the stretch 5 they missed most of the season and, with crowd noise a nonfactor in Orlando’s empty arenas, he could certainly have an impact as a vocal bench presence.

The Lakers need all the offensive firepower they can get, particularly one who is in Cousins’s caliber, a proven scorer that can create shots for himself without getting aid from LeBron James and/or Anthony Davis. McMenamin also made a great point about the team lacking a stretch 5. Although Davis could definitely play that part, his presence in the paint is always a must, so it’s not ideal for him to be spending extra time beyond mid-range.

Since he’s capable of carrying offenses by himself, as shown during his time with the Sacramento Kings and with the New Orleans Pelicans (whenever Davis was out), he may be able to give the two superstars an extend rest, which is always valuable in an all-important, all-intense, playoff battle.

The Lake Show own the best record in the Western Conference and second-best record overall at 49-14, only trailing the Milwaukee Bucks. However, they are only 12th in bench scoring at 38.9 bench points per game.