Los Angeles Lakers should sign Quinn Cook
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to complete their roster, they should sign Quinn Cook.
The Golden State Warriors rescinded Quinn Cook‘s qualifying offer, which means he is now a free agent, per Shams Charania. For the Los Angeles Lakers, Cook would certainly fill a need.
Cook made a name for himself during his fourth year at Duke University. During that year, Cook averaged, 15.3 points, on 45.3% shooting, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1 steal per game, in 35.8 minutes of play.
When Cook got drafted, he did not get much of an opportunity to prove himself with any of the three teams he was apart of. He played just 16.4 minutes per game, averaging 7.4 points, on 47.4% shooting, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. If Cook is given a more prominent role, possibly a starting role, he will perform at a higher level. A couple of things that Cook brings, if nothing else, is speed, handles, and three-point attempts. The reason why it’s worth mentioning three-point attempts is because he is not afraid to shoot the ball. Cook can thrive with the Lakers, depending on the role he is given.
He does not need to have the ball to be effective. LeBron bringing down the ball, Cook coming off screens, and knocking down threes, is the ideal situation. This may be the opportunity that Cook needs, and the type of player the Lakers need, whether they strike out on Kawhi Leonard or not. The Lakers need a secondary primary ball-handler, and as much three-point shooting, as they can get.
One thing that has gone well for Cook over his NBA career is that he is shooting 41.8% from three. If the Lakers can sign Cook, and re-sign Caruso or Rondo, that would be ideal. T.J. McConnell is another name being mentioned, and whichever two of those four point guards, take the minimum deal, the Lakers should sign.
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If Cook is given a more prominent role, he will prove himself and thrive alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Cook does need to improve defensively, to guard the likes of Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, etc. Once he improves defensively, Cook can be a starting point guard on most NBA teams. This is a player who the Lakers should consider, and if he takes a minimum deal, the Lakers should give Cook an opportunity to prove himself.