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3 free agents who could be another Malik Monk for the Lakers

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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There were not a lot of good things that came out of the 2021-22 season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Perhaps the best thing that came out of the season was the emergence of Malik Monk, who the team signed to a minimum deal last summer.

Monk proved his potential correct and was one of the best microwave scorers off the bench in the entire league. With Monk being so young, there is even more potential for him to become a legitimate scoring menace in the league.

The problem with this emergence is how it will cost the Lakers. Monk’s value has increased and the absolute most the team can pay him is the Taxpayer’s Mid-Level Exception worth $6.4 million. Monk did say that money is not the driving factor, but it is hard to blame him for turning down a contract that could pay him $40 million more over the long run.

The Los Angeles Lakers may need to find another Malik Monk in free agency.

By another Malik Monk, we do not necessarily mean someone who is going to show the scoring capabilities off the bench that Monk showcased this last season. We simply mean that the Lakers may need to find another diamond in the rough, another minimum player who ups his value with a great season in LA.

That is obviously easier said than done and the chances of the Lakers lucking out like this yet again is slim. However, it is not impossible and there are three free agents who will be available on the minimum that could be that breakout signing for LA.

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