3. Alfonzo McKinnie
Alfonzo McKinnie was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside Jordan Bell for JaVale McGee and a future second-round pick. McKinnie and Bell both had non-guaranteed contracts, allowing the Lakers to shave some money to be able to bring in Marc Gasol by getting rid of McGee’s cap hit.
Bell has already been waived by the Los Angeles Lakers and it appears as if McKinnie is here to stay. The Lakers do not have any more room to make more moves this offseason and for now, McKinnie’s spot on the roster is safe.
On paper, he could be an intriguing role player as well. Our very own Davide Tovani did a great job in breaking down how McKinnie could wind up being a steal for the Lakers with his three and D potential as a role player.
At the end of the day, though, McKinnie is going to be the first player cut if the Lakers are pursuing someone on the buyout market, not Cook. Not only that, but I would not even be all that shocked if they just outright cut him to open some playing time for a young player, such as Kostas Antetokounmpo or Devontae Cacok.
The Lakers don’t have to do that, but they would likely do McKinnie the favor and release him so he can go play elsewhere rather.
Regardless, he is easily the first man out on this Los Angeles Lakers roster and he is really going to have to prove quick whether or not get can be this steal that Tovani alluded to.