Appearing for just 228 games in the NBA, Quinn Cook won 2 championships. Beyond that, he also got to share the locker room with NBA champions like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving. Guess, it is not too bad for somebody who went undrafted back in 2015. Irving even helped Cook stay at his place during his 10-day contract with Cleveland. During that time, he also formed a bond with LeBron James, which later led to them playing alongside each other with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Speaking with Sam Okauru, Quinn Cook explained his contractual details with the Golden State Warriors, which changed his status from a restricted to unrestricted free agent. Signing a 2-year contract in 2018 before the playoffs with the Dub Nation, Cook became a restricted free agent after the 2019 season. The Golden State did send him a contract, but eventually withdrew the offer. This led to a change in his status and he received multiple calls from other interested teams. One of them was from his former teammate and big brother, King James.

“Bron calls me, ‘I need you in LA,’” Quinn Cook said, via Jefe Island. Growing up as a fan of the Lakers, it was a huge deal for Quinn Cook. He needed a moment to compose himself, “what is going on?” Also, it was a new feeling for the former Duke alumni as he had never been persuaded by other teams before.“It was different like, feeling like, pursued and wanted.” He also revealed that apart from LeBron, the current VP of the Lakers, Rob Pelinka, gave him a call as well. Even his former coach, Steve Kerr, called to enquire about the situation.

Further, Cook narrated, “Steve Kerr call me, ‘he like what happened?‘” Quinn Cook explained to him that the front office withdrew the offer. However, the Warriors coach still tried recruiting him, “You know we love to have you back. You know we’re keeping the 15 roster spot open, maybe you can come compete for it.”

The offer did not thrill Quinn Cook because in his two years in the Bay Area; he felt his contributions were enough to justify his place. Previously, he was the backup to Curry when the Warriors PG was suffering from injuries. In his career, he scored 20+ points 10 times and 7 of them came during his time with the Golden State. Looking back, the decision turned out to be the right one as he won his second ring in 2020. And that season the GSW finished last in the Western Conference with a record of 15-50.

Quinn Cook and his strong bond with the Lakers

“Growing up a big Lakers fan, and to actually now play for the Lakers, it’s a dream come true. It’s something that I always dreamed of my entire life,” Quinn Cook said in 2020. He also shared that he couldn’t describe the feeling and was proud that his childhood dream had come true. Apart from LeBron James, Cook also shared a bond with Anthony Davis.

Cook and Davis faced each other in the 2011 McDonald’s All-American game, while also sharing a short stint in New Orleans (2016-17). Throughout his NBA spell, the 31-year-old always had the support of LeBron James. “Any time over my career, he would make sure I was good, talking to me and giving me advice,” Cook said of James. “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.”

Even before being part of the league, LeBron paid close attention to his collegiate career. He would attend the Blue Devils games, thanks to his connection with coach Mike Krzyzewski. Plus, the call from LeBron was a sign of confidence he needed. After all, he felt that his tenure with the Bay Area team ended on a sour note because of the politics which ultimately led him to sign with the Lakers.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.