The NBA is dealing with a heavy surge in players entering the health and safety protocols. This league-wide outbreak has gutted some teams to the brink. The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with their share of COVID-19 issues, though they did get lucky with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook testing out of protocols earlier than usual.

However, other health problems have played a key role in what has been a rather dark campaign so far, with Anthony Davis' current absence the most notable injury. Because of this, Los Angeles has underperformed this season thanks to a lack of on-court chemistry and mediocre defense.

But amid the darkness, the Lakers have found a bright spot in one of their acquisitions from this past offseason. That man is Malik Monk.

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1 unsung hero of the Lakers: Malik Monk

As noted, the Lakers are dealing with bigger issues aside from the COVID-19 outbreak that is severely depleting rosters across the NBA. LeBron James is turning in an MVP-worthy campaign, averaging 28.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in his age-37 season. Yet, the Lakers are just 13-12 with him available and 18-19 overall. Anthony Davis is out at least until mid-January. The Russell Westbrook experiment hasn't quite worked out so far. None of their offseason signings have really made a huge difference. This has left the Lakers still in search for answers to salvage the season.

However, Malik Monk is emerging as the standout from Los Angeles' additions this past summer. The 23-year-old is slowly endearing himself to Lakers fans, particularly over his last four games. Since coming back from health and safety protocols on Christmas Day, Monk is averaging 19.5 points while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. He even made all of his 12 free throws through this stretch.

Monk has started Los Angeles' last three outings and should continue to hold that spot moving forward. The former Kentucky Wildcat fits the bill as the quintessential LeBron James player: an irrational confidence sharpshooter capable of making big and timely shots.

Monk is also exactly the kind of player the Lakers need right now: a catch-and-shoot specialist. With LeBron James and Russell Westbrook needing space to penetrate to the hoop, the 6-foot-3 guard is almost a must-have on the floor for Los Angeles. 37.6 percent of Monk's shots this season have been catch-and-shoot triples, and he has cashed in on 38.8 percent of them this season. Monk is also making defenses pay for leaving him on the perimeter. Per NBA.com, when left “wide open,” he's draining 42.0 percent of his 3-pointers.

The Lakers haven't been completely healthy for the most part this season. But when they do get everyone aboard, Monk should continue to play a major role. Health issues aside, Los Angeles may still need to make some changes at the trade deadline in order to salvage an underwhelming campaign so far.

Malik Monk has made a good case not to be moved ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.