Cousins allegedly on tape threatening ex; NBA, Lakers investigating

(Warning: Story contains coarse language/sensitive content)

The Los Angeles Lakers are investigating after center DeMarcus Cousins was purportedly recorded making a death threat toward his ex-girlfriend.

"We are aware of the allegation involving DeMarcus Cousins and, of course, take this claim seriously," the Lakers said in a statement, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick. "We are in the process of gathering information and will reserve further comment at this time."

The NBA also announced that it has launched its own investigation, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Christy West, Cousins' ex and the mother of their 7-year-old son, filed a police report and court documents in Alabama relating to an Aug. 23 conversation, according to TMZ Sports. West says she recorded a telephone call with Cousins. In audio of the call, obtained by TMZ, the person West is speaking with threatens to "put a bullet through your fucking head" for not allowing their son to attend Cousins' wedding on Aug. 24.

In court documents, West stated that Cousins also told her he would kill her "even if he didn't have to get his hands dirty doing it."

West reportedly filed a restraining order against Cousins and is working toward keeping him away from their son. However, she is apparently open to Cousins having supervised visitation.

The Mobile Police Department has opened an investigation, a spokesman told TMZ.

Cousins is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season after suffering a torn ACL during an open run in Las Vegas shortly after signing a one-year deal with the Lakers.