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Lakers fan-favorite says he might give LA a discount to return

By Mike Luciano

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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The Los Angeles Lakers might not have as much free agency money to throw around, thanks to all of the guaranteed money on the roster right now, but that shouldn’t stop Rob Pelinka from trying his best to make sure Malik Monk comes back. Despite being in the middle of a season from hell, Monk thrived.

After parting ways with the Charlotte Hornets following what was widely considered a disappointing rookie contract tenure, Monk joined the Lakers in order to aid their goal of reaching the NBA Finals. While LA crashed and burned in the standings, Monk was one of the team’s few bright spots.

After setting a new career-best scoring mark, Monk likely wants to cash in and earn his first big multi-year free agent deal. While that seems unlikely from a Lakers team already forced to dole out plenty of cash to incumbent stars, Monk was quoted in the Athletic as saying that he could take slightly less to return to LA.

“They might not be able to pay me as much as I want,” Monk said. “But I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker than going to any other team (that would pay me) $5 million more. So it’s just me trying to figure out what team would really want me.”

Will the Los Angeles Lakers retain Malik Monk?

Monk averaged 13.8 points per game while making a career-best 47% of his shots and 39% of his 3-point attempts. Even if he never becomes a fantastic defender, Monk’s offensive improvement was so significant that he could earn a very long multi-year deal in the offseason.

LA does have the MLE to play with, but Monk would not be thinking too highly of himself if he looks elsewhere for a more lucrative contract. Pelinka may need to get creative with the books if he is going to scrounge up enough pocket change to entice Monk back.

Two of LA’s three main cogs are unreliable thanks to Westbrook’s inconsistency and Anthony Davis’ injury history. Monk is more productive than his name value would suggest, as he could thrive in a Darvin Ham offense that could look very similar to Mike Budenhozler’s Milwaukee system.

Even with the uncertainty surrounding Russell Westbrook potentially returning for a second season and LeBron James getting one year older, having a reliable floor-spacer and scorer that has been open about his willingness to come off the bench full-time in Monk will be an invaluable asset in LA’s club back to the top.

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