And if, for two months, Malik Monk was not simply the second best Lakers player behind LeBron James? The question deserves to be asked in the face of an Anthony Davis too often injured and a disappointing Russell Westbrook who was benched in important moments.
Since the Christmas game, the fullback has averaged 16.8 points at 49% shooting success and 43% from 3-pts. In many meetings, he perfectly supported the “King” in the “money time”, with precious baskets.
“The Lakers let me be myself”assures the former Charlotte at The Athletic. “I am free with them. I don’t have to worry about making mistakes. They give me all the confidence possible. I am the X factor. I really want to be that player. “
This is the case according to the analysis of LeBron James, who had contacted Malik Monk to recruit him last summer. “He makes the most of this opportunity”explains the star of Los Angeles. “He brings punch, and since I’ve been here, we haven’t had that style of player. He is one of those who, as soon as he puts on one, can put on two, then three, four or five in a row. He is going to be very important for the rest of the season. “
The player has returned this confidence, that of LeBron James and his coach. “What I like about Malik is that he has great self-confidence, but he’s not arrogant,” says Frank Vogel. “He has a great attitude. On a daily basis, it is refreshing. It’s very good to have players like that. “
“It’s an honor to wear this jersey, to represent this franchise. That’s why I give it my all”
Seeing Malik Monk at this level is not necessarily a surprise since he had already shown offensive qualities with the Hornets. He simply lacked regularity, accuracy and was sometimes one-dimensional, with only impact in shooting and scoring.
“I made progress in my selection of shots. I don’t just shoot 3-pts. I make passes and I have a more balanced game. That’s my main change.”he believes. “We coach him hard”adds Frank Vogel. “We dismiss what was said about him during his career: that he would not be a good defender for example. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be. We challenge him and he progresses. I love coaching him. “
With 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists on average in 27 minutes, he had the best season of his career in Californian colours. And since it’s in Los Angeles, it’s like it counts double.
“When we play basketball, we want to play for this team. In the NBA, everyone wants to evolve with the Lakers, in this franchise. If you say otherwise, you are lying in my opinion. Those who say no, they are bluffing. It’s an honor to wear this jersey, to represent this franchise. That’s why I give everything. “
In addition to the symbolism of wearing the mythical colors of the Lakers, the player is especially at the end of the contract. He has to shine if he wants to get an extension or sign a big check elsewhere this summer. Where does he see his future?
“I would be lying if I said that I see my future everywhere. I love being here, I would like to continue playing here. But you never know what can happen in the NBA. It’s still a business basically and it’s hard to predict things. But clearly, I love the Lakers. “
| Malik Monk | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2017-18 | CHA | 63 | 14 | 36.0 | 34.2 | 84.2 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 6.7 |
| 2018-19 | CHA | 73 | 17 | 38.7 | 33.0 | 88.2 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 9.0 |
| 2019-20 | CHA | 55 | 21 | 43.4 | 28.4 | 82.0 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 10.3 |
| 2020-21 | CHA | 42 | 21 | 43.4 | 40.1 | 81.9 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 11.7 |
| 2021-22 | ALL | 52 | 27 | 47.1 | 39.9 | 77.2 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 13.0 |
| Total | 285 | 20 | 41.8 | 35.3 | 82.9 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 9.8 | |
