The Los Angeles Lakers had very few bright spots during the 2021-22 NBA season. The team missed the postseason, not even qualifying for the NBA Play-In Tournament, as they went 33-49.
One of the players that shined through during those dark times was Malik Monk. He surprisingly signed for the veteran’s minimum last offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
The Kentucky product was looking for a team where he could rehab his value and learn how to truly become a professional basketball player. Being on a team with LeBron James will certainly help you achieve that and Monk made the most of it.
He put together his best season yet, averaging 13.8 points to go with 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, all career-highs. He made 47.3 percent of his shots overall, another career-high, and connected on 39.1 percent of his 3-point attempts.
LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers’ Malik Monk Reveals He’d Take Less Money To Re-Sign
Malik Monk made the most of his opportunities with the Lakers and proved he can handle rotation minutes. However, he may have priced himself out of Los Angeles with how well he played.
The Lakers would love to keep Monk in the fold for the upcoming season, but the most that they can offer him is their taxpayer mid-level exception. He is on the lookout for more lucrative deals, which is understandable given the jump his production took last season.
However, there are some contradictions there. While he is reportedly seeking out the most money that he can, it has also been reported that he would be willing to give the Lakers a discount to return to them.
LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers’ Malik Monk Reveals He’d Take Less Money To Re-Sign
The feeling is mutual, as it sounds like Malik Monk would like to return and the Lakers would love to have him back. They will just have to figure out the money situation, as the 24-year-old Monk should have no issue securing offers for more money than Los Angeles can offer him.
