Los Angeles Lakers: 3 trades using Quinn Cook

3. DeAndre’ Bembry

DeAndre’ Bembry is an interesting name. He is not someone who you will see pop in trade rumors around the league. But I am iffy on his long term fit with the Atlanta Hawks.

He had a rough first two years in the league before taking a step forward last season. He has played sporadically this year and hasn’t put up all-world numbers. He is at best a rotation player that is being pressed into more action on a bad Hawks team.

If given 15 minutes per night on a team with good players around him, I believe he could flourish more. He has shown some defensive capabilities and some good passing skills in his career.

The Lakers need someone who can handle the ball a little bit and also a big wing defender on the edge. When the Lakers matchup against big-time opponents, it’s good to have multiple bodies to throw at guys. Not necessarily All-NBA defenders, but just to give guys different looks and judge what’s best throughout a game.

The great thing for the Lakers is they have an outstanding defensive staff led by Frank Vogel and Lionel Hollins. They know how to put their guys in the best positions to win.

One thing Bembry can’t do though is shoot, he is a career 27% 3-point shooter. This is where the Hawks and Lakers can help each other out. The Hawks rank dead last in the NBA at 32.4% in 3-point shooting.

A Cook for Bembry swap could work for both teams. The Lakers could throw in a second-round pick with heavy protections as well. It’s worth it and Bembry could thrive playing a small role on a contender.