The Los Angeles Lakers have made their first significant roster move of the season as they have waived Quinn Cook from his non-guaranteed contract. The Lakers had to waive Cook before February 27 to avoid guaranteeing the rest of his contract, hence the timing of the move.
This is a move that does not just open up a roster spot but also makes the Lakers more financially flexible as well. This is all in preparation for the buyout market as well as any trades that the team might need to make in order to improve the roster.
And with the way they are playing with Anthony Davis out, it is safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers need to make some improvements.
DeMarcus Cousins was just released by the Houston Rockets and Laker fans were speculating about Boogie returning to Los Angeles to finish what he started. Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers are unlikely to reunite with Cousins, although based on his wording, it does not appear to be completely out of the picture.
Regardless of who it is, the Lakers freed up a potentially valuable player for other teams in order to improve themselves. While Cook is not someone who is going to completely change the tide of a team, he is someone who has been a part of several championship-caliber teams and is a respected presence in the locker room.
He also is pretty solid from beyond the arc as well. With the off-court factors in his favor, Cook does have more value than some may give him credit for. And there will be some teams that realize that.
Here are the three best potential new homes for Quinn Cook.
All of these teams are in a position to make a deep push in the NBA Playoffs and may look to be buyers on the buyout market.