Los Angeles Lakers: Weighing options at the starting shooting guard slot

Shooting guard options for the 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers: Malik Monk

Malik Monk was yet another addition to the Lakers in free agency, perhaps their most underrated move. The shooting guard is coming off a career year with the Charlotte Hornets, making it rather surprising that they managed to sign him to a one-year deal worth the minimum. Nevertheless, he will get a fair shake when it comes to options for the starting two-guard honors.

The biggest way Monk will help the Lakers is with his outside shooting. Monk shot a career-high 40.1 percent on five attempts from deep last season, and that floor spacing would certainly be a fitting complement to James, Davis, and Westbrook. According to NBA.com/stats, Monk thrived as a catch-and-shoot threat from three last year as he shot 52-for-125 (41.6 percent) compared to 32-of-86 (37.2 percent) on pull-up attempts. That ability to catch-and-shoot will allow him to thrive off the pristine passing of Westbrook and James, giving him no shortage of open looks.

Monk told reporters that he does not care whether he starts or comes off the bench for the Lakers this year, but his case to start is undeniably compelling. At 23-years-old, the fourth-year guard would bring some youth to one of the oldest rosters ever assembled in league history while providing some electric 3-point shooting. Set to essentially play on a one-year “prove it” deal, this signing has hidden potential written all over it, especially if Monk starts.