I've said it before, but having been to many Kings games over the last several years, it is hard to convey just how negative Cousins' demeanor is, without seeing it in person. I've never seen a star player with such a negative vibe in terms of how he approaches other players on his team.
It's like he operates in this little bubble of negative energy. No one approaches him during breaks in play, to talk strategy or just pal around. When he walks off the court he isn't greeted by guys on the bench. He walks straight to his seat and covers up with a towel. His facial and body language on the court, during breaks in play, constantly express dissatisfaction, in a really juvenile way. It's palpable.
Kobe might have been that way at his low point, but I never saw the Lakers play in person. I can't think of another superstar player with a similarly poisonous effect.
Maybe we will see the flip side over the next few days, players and former coaches standing up for him and telling a different story. But so far that hasn't happened.