Frank Vogel says Los Angeles Lakers aren't 'closing the door' on DeMarcus Cousins making return this season

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The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a big blow ahead of the season when DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn ACL during a workout in Las Vegas, however there remains a chance he could still return at some point this season.

Head coach Frank Vogel says the Lakers "have not closed the door" on the 29-year-old making a comeback, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"We'll just -- we're going to be a wait and see," Vogel said. "With these injuries that are long rehabs, you have to see and take it kind of month to month and see where he's at. But we've not closed the door on a possible return for him."

The four-time All-Star has been plagued by injuries in recent years, appearing in just 78 regular-season games over the past two seasons.

Cousins tore his Achilles in 2018 while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, sidelining him for nearly a year, before suffering a torn quadriceps muscle in the playoffs last season, while playing for the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers signed Cousins to a one-year, $3.5 million deal in the off-season after averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 30 regular-season games with the Warriors last season. 

Cousins holds career averages of 21.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and when healthy is one of the best big men in the league.

With the Lakers looking to make a deep playoff run this season, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Cousins' potential return could provide a huge boost to their championship hopes. 

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.