Brian34Cook

From the local paper.. I know some of his comments are funny but that's just his confidence he has in himself.

'Cook'ing up improvement
Former Railer readying for fourth year in the NBA
BY BRIAN LONGLY
THE COURIER
Published Saturday, August 19, 2006



After two years in the NBA, Lincoln native Brian Cook finally got some consistent playing time with the Los Angeles Lakers in his third season, and took advantage. He posted career highs in every statistical category, and that success has made him thirsty for more.

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."

http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=2661&SEC=10

Ghiman

Good for Cookie! What i would like to see from him is to become a monster on the boards. Every year he's been showing improvement. Hope he gets alot of playing time and becomes the X-Factor for the Lakers next season.

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ravor44

Hope that Cook will perform better this season rather being posterized by LeBron with his eyes closed..

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Laker Freak

Guys like Cook who have skills and work hard every year are pretty hard to find which is why I'm glad Cook wasn't traded over the summer.