Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Which role player will have the biggest impact?

By Addam Goldman

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the net past Robert Franks #0 of the Orlando Magic and Dwayne Bacon #8 of the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the net past Robert Franks #0 of the Orlando Magic and Dwayne Bacon #8 of the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Los Angeles Lakers preseason
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Malik Monk

Malik Monk is a high-energy scorer who has shot nearly 50 percent throughout the preseason and flashed explosive athleticism, and improved decision-making on offense.

Still, he has never shown much on the less glamorous side of the ball, and while he should develop his defensive acumen this year with Frank Vogel coaching him up and LBJ inspiring him with the energy, he extends on D. His parking-pylon-D throughout his brief career can’t be discounted, and the top role players in the league bring it on both sides of the floor.

By now, most Lakers fans know Malik Monk’s story. Monk balled out during his lone season at Kentucky, setting several freshman Wild Cat records. Charlotte drafted him at a very young 19-years-old. He suffered through maturity issues as he struggled through his first three seasons in the NBA.

Finally, last year (his fourth season), things changed. Charlotte management added Gordon Hayward and drafted LaMelo Ball, two talented gym rats who grind day in and day out. Ball and Gordon rubbed off on Monk, inspiring him to take his career more seriously. Here is what he said in an interview halfway through last season:

"“I just grew up if I’m being honest. I started taking film seriously, I started taking everything serious. A couple years ago, I might not touch the ball for four or five possessions and then I’d shoot a bad shot. Now, I’m getting to the rim or finding somebody and the ball will come back to me if I make the right play. Every game I get on the court, my confidence just builds. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s going to take time, but I just have to keep getting better.”"

Monk admitted he didn’t take things seriously during his first few seasons in the league, AKA he partied too much. That’s mature. But then he went on to say his progress won’t happen overnight, but he’s going to keep working and making progress. That’s really mature.

If one-time All-Star Gordon Hayward and rookie LaMelo Ball can help Monk turn a corner, what are three superstars like James, Davis, and Westbrook going to do for his career?

Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark

Monk shot 40 percent from deep last season while playing passable defense. This season on offense, look for him to shoot well from deep again while he uses his athleticism to pressure opposing bigs at the rim. And on defense, look for Monk to up his overall IQ and continue to improve the angles he takes while guarding opposing wings.

Home/Lakers News