Los Angeles Lakers: 3 new signings who could be long-term Lakers

By Jason Reed | Oct 3, 2021

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Malik Monk

Malik Monk is the youngest player that the Los Angeles Lakers signed (that was not an undrafted rookie, more on that later) this offseason and that inevitably makes him a potential long-term play for the Lakers. The concern here is Monk playing too well and upping his value, leading to him signing elsewhere.

Monk is a recent lottery pick, picked 11th overall in 2017, and he did not live up to the hype early on. Monk has never been a good defensive player and he still isn’t and early on in his career, his scoring was inefficient, making him a below-average player.

However, he was young. How many young players struggle early in their career and then turn it around? Monk is not going to be some star in the future but he absolutely can be a valuable rotation player to a contending team and he proved that in his play last season.

Monk shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season and proved to be an efficient scorer, particularly off the bench. Whether it is his jump shot or his quick-twitch athleticism to get to the basket, Monk has the skills to score the basketball.

Monk could turn into a great microwave scorer for the Lakers and with so many older players on the bench, it would not be surprising at all if the Lakers are looking ahead for Monk to be the future top bench scorer in LA.

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