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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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(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Frank Ntilikina

This one might sound a bit absurd but hang with me.

Frank Ntilikina has not had a great career thus far and he certainly is not a great offensive player. He will not have anywhere close to the offensive impact that Malik Monk had on the Los Angeles Lakers and quite frankly, Ntilkina would not have much of an impact on offense at all.

The potential here for the Los Angeles Lakers is on the defensive side of the ball. Los Angeles needs more balance and the team needs someone who can play good perimeter defense next to shooters who may not be the best defenders.

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Let’s say the Lakers are able to bring back Malik Monk this offseason. Having another defensive option like Ntilikina to play alongside these worse defenders is going to give the Lakers more balance.

Ntilikina has put together some decent stretches in the NBA Playoffs for the Dallas Mavericks. He is not playing a ton and is not doing much on the offensive end but he is playing solid defense when he is on the court.

Ntilikina finished with a 0.9 DBPM this season and a 2.5 DBPM last season. That is around where Alex Caruso would finish with the Lakers. It is worth taking a flier on Ntilikina, especially considering that he is still only 23 years old. In the right system, he can develop some offensive ability to impact games.

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