Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking each role player by importance

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

8. Quinn Cook

Quinn Cook is actually someone who could be much more important to the Lakers if everything goes his way. If we were to re-do this article by midseason (which is not a bad idea), it would not be that surprising to see Cook rise several spots in this ranking.

What makes Cook potentially more important is hit three-point shooting. Cook has been at the center of the three-point revolution on the Golden State Warriors and could be a valuable bench shooter to bring into a game in a playoff series.

He is the perfect kind of point guard to pair with LeBron James as well. He does not need the ball to succeed and is much better off-ball. This gives the Lakers a traditional point guard on defense while also getting an off-ball shooter.

Of course, it all depends on whether or not Cook hits most of his shots and makes a noticeable difference when he is on the court. There are plenty of guys that can shoot three-pointers, especially in 2019, and he is going to need to make himself stand out to truly reach his potential ceiling.

The line is drawn after Cook. Everyone that ranks ahead of him on this slideshow will have noticeable importance. Cook certainly has the potential to jump that line, but he also has the potential to get little to no minutes if he doesn’t.