Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the free-agent signings by potential workload

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 07: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on May 07, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 07: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on May 07, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Malik Monk

Ever so slightly ahead of Kendrick Nunn is going to be Malik Monk. Quite frankly, out of all the signings that the Los Angeles Lakers made after the Russell Westbrook trade, the Monk signing is my favorite.

Monk has not lived up to the expectations that were placed on him as a lottery pick but the important thing is that he has gotten better every single year in the league and that will likely continue in Los Angeles.

Monk was starting to show serious shades of being a lethal bench scorer for the Charlotte Hornets last season. If he continues his progression, Monk can legitimately be the fourth-highest scorer on this team, averaging around 14 points per game with excellent three-point shooting.

Other contending teams are going to be kicking themselves that they did not land Monk and the hope is that the Lakers can somehow work it out to keep him in the long-term. Monk is still only 23 years old, so he can be part of the future in LA as well.

Monk also is not the best defender but I think he can do so much more with the ball offensively than Ellington and Nunn can that he is going to play his way into some big spots. Ellington might start as a spot-up shooter next to Westbrook, but the potential backcourt of Monk and THT is really exciting.

What is even more exciting is a potential three-guard bench lineup of THT, Monk and Nunn. That is not great defensively but that second unit can get buckets.