Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who could force their way into starting five

By Jason Reed | Aug 25, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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

1. Malik Monk

Any frequent readers of Lake Show Life know that I am a huge fan of the Mailk Monk signing. I was a fan of Monk’s before he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and never would I have imagined that the team could get him on a minimum deal.

Yes, Monk did disappoint in his first two seasons as the 11th overall pick. While not a high lottery pick, lottery picks still have higher expectations and Monk did not live up to those expectations. He also got hurt this past season, which seemingly lowered is value.

At the end of the day, Monk is a spark-plug scorer that can get hot from beyond the arc as well as create his own shot. He shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season, averaging over 11 points per game in just over 20 minutes per game.

In a larger role, around 25 minutes per game, it is not absurd to think that Monk could average 15 points mostly as an off-ball scorer. That is extremely enticing for the Lakers and there is a chance that he could surpass even those expectations. He is still extremely young, after all.

The one benefit of keeping Monk on the bench is his ability to create his own shot, which will be more important on the second unit. However, if Wayne Ellington is not hitting hit shots and Monk is then the he could move into the starting five over Ellington.

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