Malik Monk was destined to be the next Lakers star

How Malik Monk instantly fit in with the Lakers

Malik Monk was on the radar of only one team: the Los Angeles Lakers.

Monk was the perfect fit all along. Lakers Head Coach Frank Vogel wanted him as soon as he became available, according to an interview conducted this offseason. 

"“I personally have always been a fan of his, we have that Kentucky connection. I interviewed him when I was in Orlando when he was coming out of the draft and we were very high on his ability back then and when we had an opportunity to get him [on the Lakers], I really pushed hard for us to try to secure him. We had those conversations this summer and like he alluded to, there was no promise of role. We had a lot of guys coming in on minimums and everything would have to be earned, and he’s done a great job for us.”"

So it turns out Monk made the right decision to go to Kentucky! Like in several other industries, past connections always lead to future job opportunities. A lot of what happens in the NBA is based on networking.

Assistant coach David Fizdale also had this to say about Monk after their win over the Houston Rockets a few weeks ago. 

"“The one thing I know is that when LeBron James has the ultimate confidence in you, boy that has to feel good and I know LeBron’s got big-time confidence in Malik Monk.”"

Fizdale is right. LeBron has believed in Malik Monk even dating back to last season. Lakers reporter Harrison Faigen said LeBron wanted Monk as soon as he became available.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook have always needed guys like Monk to knock down shots and to sprint ahead in transition. He is going to thrive as the Lakers shooting guard for years to come as long as the Lakers can keep him this offseason.

Unlike this offseason, there will be no shortage of suitors for Monk’s services when he again becomes a free agent after this season. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss will need to go deep into the luxury tax to outbid other teams for Monk’s services.

Paying Monk is absolutely worth it!

Conclusion: Malik Monk should be a Laker for a long time! 

The Lakers and Malik Monk are a perfect fit for each other. Monk is one of the few Lakers players who plays well alongside both LeBron and Westbrook.

Anthony Davis and Monk also have that Kentucky connection which should serve them well going forward. Time will tell to see if AD and Monk can develop chemistry on the court.

Ultimately, Malik Monk is Showtime personified. He is playing the best basketball of his life. The small town of Lepanto, Arkansas should be proud to call Monk one of their own.