Los Angeles Lakers: 3 trades using Quinn Cook

1. D. J. Augustin

So when mentioned about a guard who could shoot earlier, that fits the win-now mode better, here he is. D. J. Augustin has been a solid professional player for a long time. He has had a down year shooting just 34.6% from 3-pointer, but he is a career 38% shooter from deep.

He is a very smart player, he isn’t going to beat anyone athletically, but he can handle the ball and knock down shots. He will score double digits most nights and play consistent basketball. He has played on good teams and bad teams and is a good teammate.

The Lakers have built their team and rallied around with good chemistry. Bringing in Augustin would strengthen that chemistry as well. He has been raved about by teammates at multiple stops.

He isn’t a great defender but he is crafty. He is 5’11 but uses his instincts to hold his own on defense. He will pick up all 93 feet of the court if needed and can get a good position on a player. His deficiencies will always show in his height, but he could be a lot worse on that end.

Playing with Bron and AD, I believe he would easily climb back to being a 40% 3-point shooter. He would be able to pick his spots and get catch and shoot shots. He would be able to excel again in an offense that maximizes his strengths rather than having to go make a play on his own.

He does have interest from multiple teams. The Magic do currently sit 7th in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They do lack a lot of shooting on their team as they sit third-worst in the NBA at 33.4%. They could use a boost to improve their perimeter play.

It will take more to get Augustin then the other two mentioned. But Cook could be paired with Daniels, they hit the salary needed to complete the trade and the Magic get two shooters for one. I believe that’s where you start the conversation.

Magic may want draft compensation but also know they don’t want to lose Augustin for nothing in return. Lakers could again add their 2023 second-rounder and put protections on it, depending on Pelinka’s negotiating skills.

Cook could be brought back to Orlando next year. Lakers get a veteran and the Magic improve their outside shooting drastically.