The Sacramento Kings believe DeMarcus Cousins can avoid his past mistakes and be the foundation of the franchise under new owner Vivek Ranadive. The Kings and Cousins reached an agreement on a contract extension late Wednesday night, a person familiar with the deal said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The Sacramento Bee reported the extension is a four-year, $62 million deal that will carry Cousins through the 2018-19 season. Cousins was eligible for an extension up to five years and $80 million. The Kings had until Oct. 31 to come to terms on an extension to prevent Cousins from becoming a restricted free agent next summer. Cousins averaged 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season. The 23-year-old centre, drafted fifth overall in 2010 after one season at Kentucky, has been one of the NBAs best young big men but also one who has drawn multiple suspensions from the NBA and the Kings for his behaviour. The new regime has insisted Cousins could flourish under new leadership. Ranadive has praised Cousins since he bought the Kings from the Maloof family in May. New coach Mike Malone and general manager Pete DAlessandro each called Cousins an "incredible talent" when they were hired this summer, too. New minority owner Shaquille ONeal said earlier this week he had already initiated conversations with Cousins. The 15-time All-Star said he wants to help Cousins the way Phil Jackson helped ONeal co-exist with others when he came to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. "When I look at a young DeMarcus Cousins, I see a young Shaquille ONeal. Very talented, very stubborn in his ways," ONeal said. Cousins has dazzled at times during his first three seasons and other times struggled with defence and discipline. Just last season, Cousins was reprimanded multiple times for his behaviour. On Dec. 22, Cousins was suspended one game by the Kings for "unprofessional behaviour and conduct detrimental to the team" after an incident involving then-coach Keith Smart in the locker room during a loss at the Los Angeles Clippers. He was suspended one game without pay by the NBA for striking O.J. Mayo in the groin during a defeat at Dallas on Dec. 10. Following a loss at San Antonio on Nov. 9, the league suspended Cousins two games without pay for confronting Spurs announcer Sean Elliott in a "hostile manner." Joe Smith Pistons Jersey .S. President Barack Obama saluted the Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks at the White House on Monday -- a rare moment for a president hungry to see more victorious teams from his hometown. Tracy McGrady Pistons Jersey .com) - Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James will sit out Thursdays game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee soreness. https://www.pistonsrookiesshop.com/Ben-Wallace-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Carmelo Anthony scored 21 and the New York Knicks won their eighth straight game, 93-92 over Philadelphia on Friday night, sending the Sixers to their 23rd straight loss. Sekou Doumbouya Jersey . -- Pelicans coach Monty Williams does not expect guard Eric Gordon to play in any of New Orleans final five games this season. Tony Snell Pistons Jersey . Speaking with TSN 1050 following Brendan Shanahans introductory press conference, the Leafs GM also addressed the clubs perceived leadership issues and the type of working relationship that can be expected within Torontos front office.DALLAS - Kobe Bryant is sitting out his third straight game to rest his sore body but could be back in the lineup when the Lakers return home for their next outing.Bryant was ruled out Friday night at Dallas, but coach Byron Scott said his star feels pretty good about going Sunday night against Phoenix.The 36-year-old Bryant has said his knees, feet, back and Achilles tendons are all sore.He was sidelined Tuesday night when Los Angeles beat NBA-leading Golden State at home, then again Christmas night at Chicago. The game against the Mavericks was the third in four nights for the Lakers.If he had felt good he would have gone last night and tonight as well, Scott said before the Lakers faced the Mavericks, who beat them 140-106 last month in Dallas. Just didnt feel good last night and back-to-back 24 hours, not ggoing to feel a whole lot better.ddddddddddddI think he feels pretty good about going for Sundays game.Scott said a reduction in Bryants minutes was likely a consideration when he returns. Hes averaging a team-high 35.5 minutes, about 3 fewer per game than his past two full seasons in 2011-2012 and 2012-13.Bryant tore his left Achilles late in the 2012-13 season, and played just six games last season after breaking a bone in his left knee last December.We both thought that 30-40 minute mark was pretty good, Scott said. Obviously were going to have to adjust that a little bit. But this is new for both of us.In his 19th NBA season, Bryant entered Friday third in the league in scoring at 24.6 points per game. He passed Michael Jordan for third place on the career scoring list Dec. 14 at Minnesota. ' ' '