Malik Monk on whether he’d have to start to stay with Lakers
Most fans of the Los Angeles Lakers would agree that retaining guard Malik Monk is integral to the team’s hopes of becoming an elite team again next season.
Monk had a very strong season for L.A., and outside of LeBron James, he was its only consistent offensive threat throughout the year.
Head coach Frank Vogel pivoted back and forth between starting Monk and bringing him in off the bench, partly due to all the key injuries the Lakers suffered.
The good news: Monk said during his exit interview it doesn’t matter whether he would start or be a reserve if he were to still be with the Purple and Gold.
“Not really man,” Monk said. “It’s whatever the team wants me to do. I’m comfortable with whatever they want me to do.”
Of the 76 games he appeared in this season, he started 37. He seemed to shoot better, especially from the 3-point line, as a starter, but he was clearly still effective coming off the bench.
If Monk really means what he said, signing him to a new contract would be a little easier for the Lakers, provided they are able to offer him enough money.
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Lakers player season grades: Malik Monk
