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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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Nemanja Bjelica

We are going back to the Golden State Warriors well with Nemanja Bjelica. Bjelica started the season on a fantastic note for the Warriors and it looked like he was going to play his way into getting more than a minimum deal this summer.

However, Bjelica did start to fade as the year went on and he has played such a small part of the rotation in the playoffs. At 34 years old, he is undoubtedly going to be a minimum signing once more and is one that the Lakers should consider.

Bjelica would give the team something that would help immensely if Russell Westbrook sticks around: size that can space the floor. Westbrook and Anthony Davis cannot play together as they actively make each other worse because of the floor spacing. What the Lakers need is a big that can actually hit shots but can also contribute as a shot-blocker and rebounder.

When Bjelica gets hot from three he gets hot and at one point in the 2021-22 season, he was shooting well over 40%. That number dipped to 36.2% but that is still a great rate for a big. His career 38.4% three-point rate is even better.

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Bjelica would give the Lakers another option for 15-18 minutes a game over just having two traditional centers that do nothing but clog the paint. And with LeBron James always making big men better, Bjelica could have one of the best years of his career in LA.

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