Malik Monk reveals how even LeBron James wasn’t enough to recruit him to the Lakers at first
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LeBron James and Malik Monk
Malik Monk this offseason entered free agency as he parted ways with Charlotte Hornets who failed to see the potential he holds if trusted enough. There were no deals from the side of Charlotte Hornets for Malik Monk on the table which just side-lined him to free agency as he started the search for a new home. The addition of LaMelo Ball to the roster also had him out of the role as the young star came in all the way as a starter and a guard to revolve the game around. But fortunately, Malik Monk got lucky and joined the Los Angeles Lakers as he is getting correct recognition and respect with enough trust from the team and the front office too.
Malik Monk in his last season for Charlotte Hornets averaged 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while suiting up for 42 games and getting an average time of 21 minutes in each. This season as a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers Monk averages 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while getting a playing time of approximately 27 minutes. Malik Monk has been a changed man since he joined the Los Angeles Lakers as he has turned himself into a better player as he improved his shooting skills, rebounding, defense and all other necessary aspects of the game.
The time in free agency wasn’t that good for Malik as he got a harsh reality check just before he joined the roster of LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers. This season LeGM (LeBron James) hand-picked the veteran roster of the Lakers with the help of the front office which now feels like a mistake as the team is seen struggling with a losing record. But the addition of Malik Monk is very correct as he is a key player for the team from their overall roster. Recently, the young guard revealed a story of his where even LeBron himself was not enough to recruit him on board.
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Malik Monk on rejecting LeBron James’ pitch to Lakers at first
As quoted by Clutch Points, Malik Monk revealed how he almost rejected LeBron James‘ pitch to recruit him on joining Lakers in free agency. LeBron James himself hopped on a call to get the young gun on his board but didn’t succeed at first as Monk said in the interview. Revealing the exchange Malik Monk quoted: “I told LeBron I wanted to wait to see my options the next day. Sh*t, I didn’t have any options. Called the Lakers right back that second day and I said, ‘I’m coming.’”
Fortunately, the King holds no grudges on him and is a happy teammate of his as replying to Monk he quoted: “Obviously, he used the offseason as a lot of fuel. Not many teams came calling. And I’m happy that we came calling and he chose us and wanted to be a part of this. I’m very proud of that and humble.” Even Malik is happy at his new home in Los Angeles as talking about the trust and confidence the team and coaches show in him he said: “The Lakers just let me be me. Let me play free. I’m going out there with a free mind, not worrying about a mistake, and if I’m gonna come out if I make a mistake. They just give me all the confidence to be me.”
Currently, Malik Monk is on a minimum veteran contract of 1 year for 1.7 million dollars and more. He is for sure underpaid as he deserves a lot more for his heroics in Los Angeles Lakers run so far the regular season. But the future for him is bright no matter what franchise he wishes to be a part of next year. He will surely get a better deal with correct recognition.
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