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4 former Lakers the team will definitely miss this season

By Jason Reed

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Lakers will miss Malik Monk this season

The 2021-22 season was one of the worst and most disappointing seasons in Lakers franchise history. Los Angeles took a huge gamble that summer by trading Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell for former MVP, Russell Westbrook.

In addition to him also being a terrible fit, Westbrook’s massive salary seriously hampered the team. Los Angeles was forced to go out and sign veteran minimum guys, which resulted in a roster that looked like it should be playing in the Big 3.

The one saving grace of that season (outside of Reaves being a rookie) was Malik Monk. It looked like Monk’s career in the NBA was coming to a premature end as he could not get anything going as a member of the Charlotte Hornets.

However, the Lakers saw something in Monk and realized that he was simply a victim of his situation. Monk quickly became one of the most popular players on the Lakers roster and was a legitimate microwave-scoring threat from beyond the arc.

Unfortunately, that solid season would price Monk out and lead him to sign with the Sacramento Kings. Because of Westbrook, Los Angeles had no real way to bring Monk back ahead of the 2022-23 season.

It is a real shame, too, as this Lakers team really could have used one more perimeter shooter and still could use a perimeter shooter on this year’s team.

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