Los Angeles Lakers: Exclusive Interview with Devontae Cacok

Devontae Cacok signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. We recently interviewed Cacok.

An Exhibit 10 contract is a one year, minimum contract. These one-year deals are often non-guaranteed, which lets NBA teams waive the player and remove their cap hit from the team payroll.

However, Exhibit 10 attachments allow players to earn a bonus of $5,000 to $50,000 in the event that they are waived by the NBA team, then sign a deal with that franchise’s G League affiliate and remain with that affiliate team for 60 days, per SlamOnline.com.

Cacok is a 6’7″, 240lb, Forward. He played center in college last season, but, we could see him play power forward at times too, as he is originally a power forward. Cacok makes up for the lack of height in his position, with his speed.

Cacok was a good signing by the Lakers. Cacok is an efficient inside scorer and rebounder. Last season, he played in 33 games, and averaged 15.2 points, on 59% shooting, and 12.3 rebounds, in 29 minutes of play. He averaged a double-double while shooting close to 60% from the field, in just under thirty minutes of play. That is impressive.

With the game evolving, and big men such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Brook Lopez, and Devontae Cacok’s possible future teammate, Anthony Davis, are attempting, and knocking down three-pointers, Cacok should look to extend his shooting range. If he does, that would be a big plus for his game, and the Lakers as a team.

Cacok is a great athlete, and he’s quick compared to other big men. That could be a positive as the Lakers will look to push the pace, and get fast break baskets. As mentioned earlier, Cacok averaged 12.3 rebounds per game last season, in just 29 minutes of play. He is a great rebounder, and the Lakers could use a player that is quick, finishes strong around the basket, a low post scorer, and athletic.

Cacok’s game is similar to Montrezl Harrell’s, which is exactly the kind of player Lakers could use. Cacok will look to have a successful Summer League with the Lakers and earn a roster spot come October.

I interviewed Devontae Cacok to see what attributes he brings to the game of basketball.

1. How many years were you in UNC Wilmington? Did you complete college or enter the draft before graduation?

DC: I spent all four years at UNCW and graduated from there.

2. What have you learned from the coaches at UNCW, and how you can take those techniques and apply them to your game in the NBA?

DC: I learned a lot from my coaches at UNCW. I had two coaches while I was in Wilmington. Kevin Keatts and CB McGrath. They taught me toughness, what it takes to be a competitor, and how to play as a team, and it takes everyone to know their role in order to win.

3. What are your goals/biggest goal to achieve in the Summer League?

DC: My biggest goals for summer league is just making a name for myself and making a statement, I want to to help my team in any way that I can for us to win and I’ll do all of that while playing as hard as I can.

4. How would you use your experience from college in the NBA?

DC: My college experience has shown me that every game has its runs, and that is something that I take with me on the court to help us bounce back.

5. Who inspires you the most and why?

DC: My mother inspires me the most. She has helped me through so much and is always there for me to depend on.

With the start of summer league right around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to see what Cacok can provide the Lakers.