The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to retool and contend in 2022-2023. Barring a trade, Russell Westbrook will be back with the team. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will continue to lead the Lakers as well. But LA is in danger of losing key role player Malik Monk. According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, Monk is looking for a better deal than what the Lakers can offer.
LA was aiming to re-sign Monk with their taxpayer mid-level exception. Paying anything more would be nearly impossible due to financial restrictions and limited cap space. But Monk reportedly wants to pursue better financial security in 2022 NBA free agency. However, he had previously told the Athletic's Jovan Buha that he would take less money to play for the Lakers.
“They might not be able to pay me as much as I want,” Monk previously stated. “But I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker than going to any other team (that would pay) me $5 million more. So it’s just me trying to figure out what team would really want me.”
So his situation remains fairly unclear due to these contrasting reports.
Malik Monk was one of the few Lakers who stayed healthy for the majority of the 2021-2022 season. The shooting guard averaged just under 14 points per game on an efficient 47 percent field goal and 39 percent three point-shooting percentage.
He profiles as crucial member for the Lakers moving forward. So the team is surely hoping his previous statement holds up and he takes a pay cut to play in LA. But as of now, it appears Monk is looking to command more money in 2022 NBA free agency.
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