Report: Los Angeles Lakers Letting Go of Veteran Player

The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move. The team has parted ways with one of their veterans. NBA experts were surprised to see the Lakers letting go of their veteran. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka was super busy in the offseason, meaning LA doesn’t have too much money to get another big name. The Lakers may get involved in the buyout market, but they will have to release several players.

Quinn Cook is the first to go. Shams Charania from The Athletic was among the first to confirm the release.

The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving guard Quinn Cook, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Teams are expected to express interest in Cook, who has served as a reliable guard and locker room voice for two title teams in LA and Golden State.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2021

Lakers are letting go of their veteran for a reason

Cook has averaged 3.9 minutes per game with 2.1 points. He has hit his career lows. Cook helped the Lakers win a title inside the Orlando bubble. However, the team let him go in the offseason. Pelinka changed his mind and brought Cook back before the regular season started. He didn’t see a bigger role though. Los Angeles has to address several issues, and some experts sort of predicted Cook’s release.

John Hollinger of The Athletic speculated that LA could waive Cook and bring him back through a 10-day deal. Charania reported that Cook has attracted the attention of several teams.

NBA teams like Cook. He has two rings and has been part of the best NBA teams for a decade. Well, he wasn’t really able to find a bigger role in LA. Cook didn’t have a big role with the Lakers, and it was sort of obvious that the team would release him.

The Lakers have several options on the market. DeMarcus Cousins is on the list. The Houston Rockets will probably release him. LA would gladly offer him a deal. Cousins spend a big portion on the Lakers roster last season. He didn’t get a chance to play due to his injury.

Cousins is healthy now, and Anthony Davis will miss some time due to injuries.

The Lakers valued Cook, but because of their hard-cap status, this gives the franchise flexibility to play the buyout market. They will be a compelling destination for perspective buyout players. https://t.co/QkQ8Q16SgY

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2021

Trevor Ariza is also part of the rumors. He won a ring with the Lakers a decade ago. He is part of the Oklahoma City Thunder at the moment. Will LA try to get him?