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Lakers: 3 moves to make after the NBA Draft

By Scott Rogust

Jun 6, 2022; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka speaks after introducing new head coach Darvin Ham at UCLA Health Training Center Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2022; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka speaks after introducing new head coach Darvin Ham at UCLA Health Training Center Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Monk
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images /

2. Try to retain Malik Monk

There were a lot of swings and misses for Rob Pelinka last offseason in hopes of building a team that could win an NBA title for the second time in three years. But when it comes to their best move, the general consensus was that it was the signing of Malik Monk.

A former 11th-overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, Monk signed a $1.8 million deal with the Lakers for the 2021-22 season. That one year deal turned out to be a steal for the Lakers, as Monk had the best season of his entire career.

Through 76 games (37 starts), Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.3-percent from the field. All of those numbers were career-highs for Monk.

Now, Monk is hitting free agency and has the opportunity to cash in. The Lakers will not have much money at their disposal, but they could sign him with the mid-level exception. But, the Lakers will have competition for Monk, as he could get strong financial offers from other teams in the NBA.

It would not hurt to try to convince Monk to stay.

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