4 burning questions for the Los Angeles Lakers before free agency

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham enters with Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka before the introductory press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on June 06, 2022 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Will the Los Angeles Lakers re-sign Malik Monk?

Monk just had the best season of his five-year career with the Lakers, establishing highs in most categories including points, 13.8, as well as 3-point shots attempted and made. He played an integral role in LA’s offense.

He recently said that money wasn’t his biggest priority. He added that he might be willing to return to the Lakers at a discount because of his comfort with them.

Those are noble sentiments that more players should consider. Monk certainly sounded sincere, so we can believe that he meant what he said. But the expected gap between what another team will offer him and what the Lakers can afford under the cap might be too great for Monk to turn down.

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report did report after Monk’s comments that the sharpshooting guard is also searching for more lucrative deals in free agency. Pelinka should do what he can to retain Monk. But chances are Malik will end up signing elsewhere for much more money.

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