LeBron James Called Rob Pelinka to Vouch for and Recruit Former Cavs Teammate

Lakers fans weren’t really focused on former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Quinn Cook, because the team was engaged in landing big names. Well, it turns out that LeBron James had an important role in Cook’s signing. The former Cavalier talked to media members and told them how LeBron’s conversation with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka made things easier for him.

“(LeBron being here) played a big part because I know LeBron makes everybody better. He brings the best out of everybody, and I saw that in my time with him in Cleveland for a little bit. He made me such a better player in two months.

“To have a full season with him, I can only imagine the type of player I can be. Definitely that was a big thing. Obviously we have a great relationship. He called Rob [Pelinka] on my behalf. I’m happy that he believes in me and that he wanted me to be a part of this team. That meant a lot.”

The Lakers were considered favorites for Cook’s talent from the beginning of the whole process. The guard told Mark Medina of Mercury News how he and LeBron stayed in touch.

“Any time over my career, he would make sure I was good, talking to me and giving me advice. To have a guy like that in your corner who I can reach out to any time and gives me advice, it helps me at every stage of my career. It’s something I’ve never taken for granted. I’m looking forward to reuniting with him again.”

Cook hadn’t played a regular season with the Cavaliers. He was released late in the 2015 preseason. In 2016, he spent some time with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans released him in July 2017, and the Atlanta Hawks released him in October that year. He signed a two way contract with the Golden State Warriors.

In 107 games in two seasons, Cook started 28 games and averaged 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists. The Warriors decided not to re-sign him, and he was available for other NBA teams.