3 Lakers whose on/off numbers Frank Vogel can no longer ignore

By Jason Reed | Feb 21, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Malik Monk

Malik Monk has been fantastic for the Los Angeles Lakers this season and has been properly predicted by us to be the breakout player of the team this season. Monk really is one of the very few bright spots for a relatively disappointing Lakers team and it is a shame that this might be his only year in the purple and gold.

The team is only going to be able to offer Monk a Taxpayer’s Mid-Level Exception in the offseason and with how he is playing this season he is undoubtedly going to get more on the open market. The Lakers just have to hope that he really loves it in LA and is willing to take a paycut.

Losing Monk next season would really hurt the team considering the Lakers’ net rating is 8.9 points higher when Monk is on the court versus when he is off. The number being this high was a bit surprising considering Monk is not really a great defender but his scoring has an impact on the team without a doubt.

His defense is actually not hurting the team as much as you would think, either. The Lakers’ defensive rating is only 0.9 points worse with Monk on the court versus when he is off the court. That is obviously worth it when the offensive rating is 9.8 points higher with Monk on the court.

So what should the Lakers do? Play Monk and Reaves together more! Monk and Reaves have a net rating of +12.2 points when they share the court together!

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