<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Cook will be a free agent at the end of the season, so where he'll be in the future is up in the air. He doesn't feel any pressure, though. "Tell you the truth, it was basically the same thing as last year because I didn't know if (the Lakers) were going to pick up my option before the season," he said. "I think I proved that I can play and put up points in the NBA. I think I can be a steady force in the NBA, and this year is just proving that again. Like I've always told everybody, if I get time, I'll produce. "It's my contract year and I'm playing for a job, and I'm talking with the Lakers now about an extension. They said they want to go through camp and see how I've improved in the summer before we do anything." Despite the injury to his hand, Cook has worked on several different areas of his game since the end of last season. "I've been watching a lot of game tape and working out, trying to make my body stronger and quicker. I've lost a lot of weight and am down to about 242 or 243 (pounds) right now," said Cook, who was listed at 258 pounds last season. "I've learned I have to be able to run with these quicker guys. "I'm watching film because I want to know how teams are playing me. Since I can shoot, they're going to run at me, so I'm working on being able to put the ball on the floor to be a playmaker, to get the ball to the open man. I'm also working on improving my defense, being a good team defender and drawing charges, grabbing rebounds." </div> Source Best of luck to Brian Cook. I don't think we will be seeing him in a Lakers uni after this season. With the signing of Vladman, it has made Brian Cook expandable. A smart move for Brian is to sign with the Suns after this season. I'm sure he will benefit in their offense, and I'm sure he will be a perfect fit for them.
Agreed, I can't imagine he stays a Laker too much longer, unless he has an amazing season this year. Very unlikely...
I wouldn't doubt to see him return for some odd reason. He can back up both forward positions fairly adequately, and he's some nice firepower off the bench. Plus, look who are GM is.....I think that's all I have to say.
Unless he has a spectacular year, I honestly think he'll be in a Lakers uniform. He doesnt command too much money at this point, and I think the Lakers can afford to keep him.. Im still tryin to figure out whats the deal with this 2007? 2008? plan the Lakers keep talking about...
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Im still tryin to figure out whats the deal with this 2007? 2008? plan the Lakers keep talking about... </div> It's all an ILLUUUUSION Seriously though, I'm not sure either. I thought it was the 2007 plan? All the MAJOR free agents the Lakers were said to be after (Yao, Amare) are back with thier teams...I don't know who else is on that 2007 free agent list but unless they go for Vince Carter or something, I don't remember anyone else with much star power. However, I think rather then focus on stars, they should just go after solid role players (veterans) who can contribute immediately. Kobe ain't getting any younger.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Junoon:</div><div class="quote_post">Seriously though, I'm not sure either. I thought it was the 2007 plan? All the MAJOR free agents the Lakers were said to be after (Yao, Amare) are back with thier teams...I don't know who else is on that 2007 free agent list but unless they go for Vince Carter or something, I don't remember anyone else with much star power. However, I think rather then focus on stars, they should just go after solid role players (veterans) who can contribute immediately. Kobe ain't getting any younger.</div> The 07 plan is dead. Like you said, it was just an illusion to get our hopes up. We picked up Kwame's player option, and that basically eliminates any cap space we got to sign any major free agents.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Brian:</div><div class="quote_post">The 07 plan is dead. Like you said, it was just an illusion to get our hopes up. We picked up Kwame's player option, and that basically eliminates any cap space we got to sign any major free agents.</div> Oh well, I really didn't see anyone who we really needed. At least now we don't have to avoid longer contracts to make room, causing us to possibly lose a FA (A.K.A Antonio Daniels).
