Report: DeMarcus Cousins tells Kings he doesn't want George Karl fired

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 22: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings in a game against the Boston Celtics on February 22, 2014 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

When the losses start to pile up, it's easy for a volatile situation to get out of hand. But if the Sacramento Kings can keep winning, the tension between center DeMarcus Cousins and coach George Karl could blow over.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, Cousins has told the Kings front office that he doesn't want Karl fired, because another coaching transition will interfere with winning:

Reports earlier in the week indicated that Karl's dismissal could be drawing near, but a win against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday seemed to alleviate some of the pressure in Sacramento. After the game, Kings general manager Vlade Divac told reporters that Karl's job is "absolutely not" in jeopardy (via ESPN.com):

The Kings, who were 2-3 with Cousins in the lineup this season but winless in the four games he missed with an Achilles injury, followed Wednesday's win with another against the Brooklyn Nets at home on Friday night.

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