Cook's double-double leads Lakers past world champion Heat         

[JAN. 16, 2007]  Brian Cook must love playing on national TV. Because Monday night in the always high-profile game with the Miami Heat, Cook went off. You might say he was ubiquitous, or you could say he was everywhere! But one thing you could say for sure is that he was money when the Lakers needed him most.

Cook finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds. He also contributed four assists and three blocked shots along the way. He came into the game averaging 7.0 points per game but has demonstrated that when he gets more playing time he can produce. Perhaps that message will finally get through to the Laker brass, especially to coach Phil Jackson, who will never be accused of overusing Cook.

Cook was interviewed at halftime by TNT's Craig Sager, and the guys in the studio, namely Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson, agreed that Cook loves playing on TNT. He has been starting for the last several games, and for those not scoring at home, he had nine points and five rebounds in the victory over the Orlando Magic; only a rebound and two assists in the win over the Dallas Mavericks; but 16 points, four rebounds and three assists in the win over the Denver Nuggets.

Cook and the Lakers are set to embark on a three-game road trip.

[Jeff Mayfield]

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