Lakers, Cook-ing Up Extension

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">EL SEGUNDO - Brian Cook has one year left on his contract, but he said Monday that the Lakers and his agent have begun contract extension talks.

Cook said no salary has been discussed but that he hopes to sign a multiyear deal with the Lakers before the month is over.

The Lakers picked up Cook's option for his fourth season last year, meaning he'll earn $1,817,141.

That showed Cook and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, that the Lakers liked the 6-foot-9 forward.

If the Lakers don't tender Cook an offer before Oct. 31, the deadline for teams to sign a player, he'll become a restricted free agent after this season. The Lakers then can match any offer Cook might receive from another team.

"This is a big year for me," Cook said. "This is my contract year. I don't have no job yet. We've been trying to negotiate an extension at this point. I'm trying to be here for a while, but you know how the business is."

Cook had surgery on his right thumb in July and said he is about 75 percent healthy. He said he doesn't have full flexibility in his hand just yet but that he should be able participate in practices during training camp.

Cook, known for his outside shooting ability, averaged a career-best 7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds last year.

Cook, a first-round draft pick (No. 24) in 2003, played in 81 games, starting in 46.

"If there's a deal that makes sense, then we'll get something done," Bartelstein said in a phone interview. "Brian wants to be there, and I'm sure the Lakers would like to have him there. So we'll see what happens over the rest of the month."</div>

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