Dalembert, Cousins turn into formidable pair

Most of the season, neither Cousins nor Dalembert appeared comfortable coming off the bench.

It also meant either the Kings' best post scorer (Cousins) or best interior defender (Dalembert) was beginning the game on the bench. The trade of Carl Landry for Marcus Thornton in February meant one fewer power forward in the rotation.

Lately, Cousins and Dalembert are looking comfortable together. They have started 23 games together, including the last 20, in which the Kings are 8-12.

"We're working on the chemistry, still trying to build one," Cousins said. "(We're) trying to get the big-man thing going with the high-low (on offense). It's just a process. Maybe if we would have tried earlier on, we'd be further along."

The Kings have learned that Dalembert and Cousins complement each other better than expected. Both can make mid-range jump shots and rebound.

Dalembert has gotten better at finding his offense when Cousins is rolling.

"In the high-low when (Cousins is) in the post, I try to cut and do other things, and when he's in position to shoot, I try to get in position to get rebounds," Dalembert said. "Overall, it's really working. It's reading him and finding out exactly what he's trying to do, and doing the opposite, little things like that."

One of the challenges Cousins faces is defending athletic power forwards while Dalembert guards centers.

Westphal said defense is still a "work in progress" for Cousins.

"He's learned a lot," Westphal said. "He's learned how to stay out of foul trouble; he's in better shape and will continue to get in better shape."

Dalembert will be a free agent this offseason, and the Kings have said they'd like to re-sign him.

But he'll have to wait out a potential lockout and Kings relocation before any decision is made. Still, Dalembert has enjoyed watching Cousins mature.

And Cousins likes exchanging ideas with Dalembert.

"We all know Sam's a defender and he knows a lot of veteran moves," Cousins said. "He gives me advice all the time on the defensive end, and I try to give him advice on the offensive end."