Malik Monk recently signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings after having a surprisingly good year with the Los Angeles Lakers. Monk was an excellent addition to the team in a year where a lot of the Lakers’ role players struggled. He averaged over 13 points per game, including a stretch where he was putting up 20+ points per game on great efficiency.
Like many others that have come before him, Monk benefitted from playing next to LeBron James, who has a history of making his teammates better. After he got his deal with the Kings, Monk spoke about LeBron as well, specifically addressing the fact that he makes those around him better.
Malik Monk on LeBron:
“He had a big part in me coming to LA. 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.”
(via @TMZ_Sports) pic.twitter.com/jvtt5ws6Y2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2022
“He had a big part in me coming to LA. 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.”
It’s telling that despite not going back to the Lakers and having had to be a part of a disappointing season, Monk still has nothing but good things to say about LeBron James. While there may be times when James gets a lot of hype for his play, the one factor of his game that cannot be overstated is his knack for getting role players around him paid.
Monk is only 24 years old, and the experience of playing next to LeBron will only elevate his game for when he moves on to other teams like the Kings in the future. His loss might be felt by the Lakers, though their roster still doesn’t seem to have enough scoring.
As far as LeBron is concerned, he will need more contributions from players on the Lakers roster much like Monk gave last season. If players can perform to that level, it would make a huge difference to the team as they try to bounce back following a poor season.
