The Los Angeles Lakers specifically acquired Russell Westbrook to be their third All-Star caliber player. This is well-trodden territory at this point (Remember Lakers 360?). But after 54 games, it's evident that the team's third-best player is a different 6'3 guard — the one on a minimum contract, not the one making a team-high $44 million this season. Of course, I'm referring to Malik Monk.

This surprising development has never been on starker display than in the Lakers' most recent win, over the New York Knicks on Saturday. Westbrook shot 1-of-10 from the field, played without his usual confidence and verve, and was benched in overtime. Monk, meanwhile, single-handedly outscored the Knicks, 18-13, in the third quarter on his way 29 points. While the Crypto.com Arena groaned and booed with every Westbrook miscue, they hollered with each Monk highlight.

“Him alone beat the Knicks in the third quarter,” Anthony Davis said. “He was able to get us going, get our juice going, get our rhythm offensively going and he was able to help us carry that into the fourth quarter and overtime and play with a little bit more swagger on the offensive end.”

In 29 games since Nov. 24, Monk — whom they call “The Microwave” — has been a reliable third scorer for the Lakers. In that span, he's averaged 15.7 points, on .491/.452/.780 shooting splits.

“He brings a knockout punch that — to be completely honest with you — we haven’t had on our roster since I got here,” LeBron James said. “Someone that can literally, if he makes one, it can be two, three, four, five in a row. And it comes in bunches. And he’s a big-time scorer. I think what’s very underrated about his game is he’s also a great playmaker as well, with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t make many mistakes and is always in control.”

Since the calendar flipped to 2022, Monk has averaged 17.0 points on 46.4% three-point shooting, including eight games with 20+ points.

Westbrook, meanwhile, is putting up 16.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on frigid .395/.268/.712 splits. He's kept his turnover totals relatively low, but that cautiousness has led to hesitancy. His defense remains a glaring issue, and he continues to make confounding errors in important moments.

There's no question about it: Monk is the Lakers' third option. Plus, his on-ball play-making is better than the Lakers (or any team) realized, his defense — while shaky — has improved, and he routinely fires up the team with above-the-rim acrobatics and heat-check moves.

“There’s a reliability to his game,” Frank Vogel said. “If he’s in the right situations, he’s gonna knock down open shots. He’s gonna make solid decisions in the pick-and-roll game when he’s driving the paint. There’s always a chance for a spectacular finish. He’s been one of our most reliable offensive players.”

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Affter Lakers' practice Monday, LeBron specifically lauded the fourth-year shooting guard for the all-around improvement in his game.

“He’s just improved from Day 1. Every single day he’s gotten better and better. I’m extremely happy that we have him. He’s playing exceptional basketball. Not just scoring the ball which everybody see — he’s always been a bucket — but I think his playmaking ability, the way he’s committed to the defensive side of the floor as well, competing. He’s in there a lot during the late-game situations because coach trusts him and we trust him. That improvement alone is a wonderful sight to see. I love to see that in a young guy.”

I put that sentence in bold for a reason (see: Westbrook, Russell).

Monk has openly discussed his gratitude to the Lakers for giving him a shot when the rest of the league didn't. He's making the most of his opportunity. He's become a fixture in the Lakers' starting lineup.

“It’s perfect: This is what I wanted to do my whole career,” he said. “This is what I’ve been trying to find. I’m happy Rob called me this summer, man. Just gave me an opportunity. So yeah, I’m gonna continue to do that, man.”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BEKJ8uOsZPkRay9BYms1V?si=1d524840591f4430

The Lakers were forced to fill out their roster with minimum players after taking on Westbrook's money. Most of those signings have been busts: DeAndre Jordan, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, and Dwight Howard have made little-to-no impact. By contrast, Monk might be the best minimum signing of last summer. The Lakers are ninth in the West — but it's fair to wonder how much lower they'd be without Monk breaking out. His emergence has often negated Westbrook's struggles.

Unfortunately, Monk's stellar play and the Lakers cap sheet means the Lakers probably won't be able to afford to re-sign him, unless he passes on bigger money to take a mid-level exception.

For now, though, let's just enjoy the present.