Los Angeles Lakers: The 5 best value signings in the NBA this offseason

By Jason Reed | Aug 15, 2021

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Miami Heat is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 24, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Malik Monk to the Los Angeles Lakers: One year, $1.78 million

I was a big fan of Malik Monk before the Los Angeles Lakers signed him so you can only imagine the excitement that I had when it was announced that the Lakers somehow signed him away for the league minimum.

We all expected the Lakers to fill out the roster with old veterans and for the most part, they did. However, landing a young player like Monk on a deal where he is essentially betting on himself is huge for LA.

Monk did not live up to expectations as a high draft pick early in his career but he was really started to come along into his own as a microwave-type bench scorer for the Charlotte Hornets. He got hurt last season and that derailed things but you could really see him start coming into his own.

Monk averaged 11.7 points per game while making 40.1% of his threes (five per game) and 81.9% of his free throws. Keep in mind, that was completely off the bench in only 20.9 minutes per game.

Getting 12 points out of a bench player who is only playing 20 minutes per game is huge and if Monk continues to evolve his role with the Lakers will grow and he legitimately could be the fourth-highest scorer on this team, even ahead of Carmelo Anthony.

He is only 23 years old as well. Getting the 11th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, after the best year of his career (before injury), is exceptional value.

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