The Lakers made a major splash by trading for Anthony Davis this offseason, but the team also made a number of other moves to help round out its roster in the weeks that followed. Among them was signing back-up point guard Quinn Cook to a contract, who has spent the past two seasons with Golden State in a championship atmosphere.
For Cook, his decision to sign with the Lakers went past the on-court product. He holds close relationships with several members on the team, including Davis, LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins. He’s confident the team’s early chemistry will hold a positive impact this season, as he explained during an interview with Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype.
“We have our team group chat going and the guys are very active in it. It feels like this team has been together for a while,” Cook said. “Everyone has been really active in the group chat. Ever since I signed, I went straight to Los Angeles and I’ve been working out with Bron, Kuz, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and JaVale [McGee]. We’ve been working on a lot of stuff and I’m getting a chance to learn from the coaching staff, getting a chance to talk to Coach Vogel a lot and work out with Coach [Miles] Simon.
“Everyone has been so welcoming since day one when I signed. I know the other guys will start to trickle in; it’s still really early in the summer. As guys trickle in, we’ll keep working hard and getting ready for the season. All of the guys are really excited to get things going, man. I know this NBA season will be one of the better ones for everyone – from players to coaches to fans. If you’re a fan of basketball, this season will be amazing.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division tonight:
- Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee ponders whether analysts are overlooking the Kings entering next season. Sacramento sports a young nucleus of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley and other talented players with eyes set on making the playoffs next spring.
- Duane Rankin examines the state of the Suns in an article for the Arizona Republic, including the team’s projected starting lineup, bench group, and array of intriguing combinations. Phoenix enters next season with several new players around Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, including Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric and Aron Baynes.
- The additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are set to make the Clippers a hot ticket once again, Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register writes. The Lakers also revamped their roster during the offseason, with Staples Center expected to be wildly popular this season.
The west will be wild.
You are absolutely right, and I believe that the biggest Factor will be health. Look for this year to have a lot of downtime maintenance, IE missed games by stars. In the end it will be a dogfight. Can’t wait to watch.
But be warned, don’t pay big money for regular-season Star matchups. I see guys sitting out and not showing their hand like last year I was ready for a Warriors Rockets matchup and Harden sits out. Ugh.
You know what’s crazy is in the west what a teams like the kings are the sons or Dallas do? They’re almost aced out of the playoffs before the year starts. So many tough teams how are you going to get in?
Portland Utah San Antonio Houston Golden State Lakers Clippers Denver. Hopeless situation for those mentioned above.
You high.
I love the drive-by comments with no substance. Give me a reason why you would make an assumption like that.
Are u tho
Getting there. Not yet though.
Ayyeee. The mans merely going with the trend anyways. As of now, that is literally the safest bet. But who knows maybe dallas sneaks in as the 8th seed that would totally change my whole perception of that team
The key to winning a championship is having a lit group chat.
The tree is not the only thing that will be lit this Christmas in Laker land.