NBA season preview: 5 big questions for the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 06: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Will Malik Monk play enough defense?

Lighting up the scoreboard has never been an issue for Monk. The challenge he’ll face this season is playing enough defense to keep himself out of Vogel’s doghouse.

Make no mistake, the Lakers gambled on a one-year deal with Monk in free agency because of his long-range shooting ability. He shot just over 40% from deep for the Hornets last season and the Los Angeles offense could absolutely benefit from that sort of floor spacing from the two-guard positions this season.

Monk’s lack of height and strength really stops him from ever being anything more than an adequate defender at his position. The Lakers don’t expect him to suddenly morph into an All-Defense guy. They just need him to be good enough not to be repeatedly hunted by the opposition if he’s going to stay on the court late in games.

The Lakers have a lot of competition for playing time on the wing, but Monk gives them the most offensive upside. They need his defense to progress just enough to make him playable in key moments.

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