“He’s gonna try helping out everyone he’s in contact with” Malik Monk reveals insights about playing alongside LeBron James
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LeBron James and Malik Monk
At the end of the 2022 season, it was clear that Los Angeles Lakers will be making a huge shift in their roster. From Title favorites to 11th position in the Western Conference was a huge disappointment for 17-time NBA Champions, and they started with the change in personnel at the head coach position, replacing Frank Vogel with Darvin Ham. The franchise also let go of some of its players, who were free agents after the conclusion of their contracts in the 2022 season. Malik Monk was one such player, who left the LA project after spending just 1 season. 5-years-proMonk did offer to accept a pay cut to stay with the Lakers but finally signed with divisional rivals Sacramento Kings.
The reason for his willingness to stay with the Lakers at lower wages is just one player – LeBron James. The 24-year-old guard appreciated the king and his impact on the game. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, he said, “LeBron had a big part of everything, He had a big part in me coming to L.A. It’s Bron, bro. He gon’ try to help every teammate he comes in contact with. So, I have nothing bad to say about him. You got to play at a level he plays at. If not, you (are) going to get surpassed. That’s why he’s so great.”
In the 76 games played with the Lakers, Monk’s stats saw a huge swing, as he averaged around 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game – his career-best season so far. May it be LeBron James’ impact on his game, but Monk did prove to be a difference maker for the team with 25+ point performances in some games.
Malik Monk still believes that LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook can win games for the Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers concluded the season with a 33-49 record, and couldn’t even make it into the playoffs. This was their 2nd playoff miss with LeBron James on their roster. While all the turmoil and failure can’t be attributed solely to Westbrook, the point guard has his fair share of the blame to take after his first year in Los Angeles went up in flames. Westbrook’s poor shooting, decision-making, and unwillingness to adapt hurt the Lakers on the floor. Moreover, he didn’t help himself in his exit interview when he failed to take any accountability for the team’s poor season.
All this resulted in “trade Russ requests” from fans and analysts. Most people would agree that Westbrook’s fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis has no chance of working out. But former teammate Malik Monk disagrees, as he said, “They grown men. Especially when they have convos like that, it’ll work out for them. They all great.”
Former Kentucky star Malik Monk may no longer be a Laker, but he got a chance to closely experience the dynamics between the Lakers trio and feel that it would work for sure. He says that his old team will be just fine with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook would be a relief for Laker faithful, as the front office is finding it difficult to trade former MVP as of now.
In addition, new Lakers head coach Darvin Ham seems excited to coach the mercurial guard and laid out a plan for how he can be useful for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season. Whether or not Westbrook buys into Ham’s plans for him remains to be seen, he should show up with better output this season in order to win his 1st ring.
As for Monk, he signed a 2-year $19 million deal with the Kings. The deal reunites Monk with former Kentucky teammate De’Aaron Fox. The duo helped the Wildcats advance to the Elite Eight in 2016-17.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)