The Los Angeles Lakers are beefing up the frontcourt after waiving Quinn Cook. The Lakers announced Friday the signing of center Damian Jones to a 10-day contract.
It always seemed likely the Lakers were going to pursue a big man after waiving Cook.
Anthony Davis is still likely out until after the All-Star break with his leg injury. Veteran enter Marc Gasol has started all 33 games, but is averaging just over 20 minutes per contest. Head coach Frank Vogel would likely prefer to use Kyle Kuzma in more of a swingman role, but has had to deploy Kuz more as a 4-man due to Davis' injury. The Lakers also just generally lack frontcourt depth outside of Gasol, Montrezl Harrell and an undersized Markieff Morris.
Jones is hardly the flashiest signing. He is a bench piece, averaging 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds for his career. Jones played 14 games with the Phoenix Suns this past season, though he averaged under seven minutes per contest.
There had been speculation as to whether the Lakers might pursue a reunion with DeMarcus Cousins after the Houston Rockets waived the former All-Star. Cousins cleared waivers Thursday, but reports suggested the Lakers never had real interest in bringing Cousins into the fold.
Los Angeles is desperately struggling for momentum. The Lakers were destroyed by the Utah Jazz Wednesday night in Salt Lake City and have now lost four in a row. They will look to bounce back with a win Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, with Jones having the opportunity to show his value in the frontcourt.
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