The future is still bright for Malik Monk even though the first chapter of his NBA career didn't pan out well. After three disappointing seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, the former Kentucky Wildcats star, who used to be part of an electrifying backcourt tandem with De'Aaron Fox, is now with the Los Angeles Lakers after inking a deal worth just $1.75 million to play in Purple & Gold threads alongside LeBron James.
Playing time might be hard to come by in Tinseltown for Monk, but the chance to grow his game and absorb wisdom from vets like LeBron, Carmelo Anthony, and Russell Westbrook is going to be priceless.
Via Ron Gutterman of Lakers Nation:
“The environment and this organization and all of the knowledge that I’ll learn,” Monk said. “Like I said before, how to be a pro, how to work, how to work smarter and just how to be a man too as well.
At just 23, Monk still has nice upside. He has yet to hit his ceiling in the NBA, and it could be with the veteran-laden Lakers team where he could finally show that there's more to his game than what his 9.1 career scoring average suggests. In Los Angeles, Monk will not be able to get extensive minutes because he's currently behind the likes of Wayne Ellington, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kendrick Nunn on the shooting guard depth chart, but this could change toward his favor if he impresses the Lakers enough in limited minutes.
Monk has the tools to become an impact player. If he can sharpen his playmaking and especially his shooting accuracy, he could come out of the 2021 NBA season as a more enticing asset in free agency.
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