Lakers, NBA investigate threat claim against DeMarcus Cousins

The Associated Press

5 years ago

FILE - In this April 4, 2019, file photo, then-Golden State Warriors' DeMarcus Cousins is shown ... — FILE – In this April 4, 2019, file photo, then-Golden State Warriors’ DeMarcus Cousins is shown during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA say they’re investigating a claim that center DeMarcus Cousins threatened violence against a former girlfriend. The Lakers issued a statement saying they "take this claim seriously." The team and the NBA both say they’re gathering information and looking into the allegations. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA say they’re investigating a claim that center DeMarcus Cousins threatened violence against a former girlfriend.

TMZ released an audio recording Tuesday in which it says Cousins threatens to shoot Christy West, the mother of their 7-year-old child.

The Lakers issued a statement saying they “take this claim seriously.” The team and the NBA both say they’re gathering information and looking into the allegations.

Cousins got married to another woman last weekend in Atlanta.

Cousins signed with the Lakers last month as a free agent, but the veteran center then tore a knee ligament during a workout earlier this month in Las Vegas. He could miss the entire season with his new team after knee surgery.