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2 players who could be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers next

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinn Cook #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinn Cook #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Alfonzo McKinnie

Alfonzo McKinnie rarely plays for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers may have flipped a coin between Quinn Cook and Alfonzo McKinnie and cut Cook based on that. Rob Pelinka really could have cut either player as neither are mainstays of the rotation.

The one thing that saved McKinnie in Los Angeles is the fact that his contract got fully guaranteed as part of the trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. If McKinnie was also on a non-guaranteed contract then the team very well could have cut him, opting instead to keep Cook’s locker room presence.

McKinnie hardly plays and the team is not going to think twice about waiving him if it means bringing in someone who could produce in a bigger role. McKinnie has appeared in just 15 games this season and has played a grand total of 49 minutes.

You could make the case that McKinnie has some potential as a three and D player but it is clear that the Lakers do not see that potential with how much they are playing him.

McKinnie only wound up in LA as part of the JaVale McGee trade that was literally only meant to open up enough space for Marc Gasol. If they need an extra roster spot to get Gasol more help then McKinnie will certainly be on the way out.

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