Here's the thing - I think Cole got an excellent fit. He is super-affordable and the Lakers really suffered at the lack of 3 point shooting last year. It really was their Achille's Heel that they didn't have those 2 or 3 guys who could hit the three and play some defense.
Now, Cole is not a great defensive player, and is maybe only marginal. But he is 6-9, he can grab some rebounds, he can block out on the boards, he can even block a shot every now and then. Plus, at his size, he really has pretty good passing skills. He is helping Pippen bring the ball upcourt, almost like a 2 guard in some of their possessions. Cole is going to make the team. The need and fit is there.