When Malik Monk first arrived in Los Angeles during the 2021–22 season, few expected him to blossom into one of the league’s most electric bench scorers. Coming off a stint in Charlotte where consistency eluded him, Monk found a new gear with the Lakers, revitalizing his career alongside LeBron James. Now, after elevating his game in Sacramento to a level that earned him Sixth Man of the Year buzz, a return to LA could be not just poetic—it could be a pivotal move to unlock the full potential of a retooled Lakers roster, especially one centered around Luka Dončić.
The Lakers have always leaned heavily on star power, and with Dončić now in the fold alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves, they’re equipped with high-level creators who can initiate offense and control tempo. But in today’s NBA, championships are often won by the margins—by the role players who can stretch the floor, swing momentum, and punish defenses that overload on stars. Malik Monk fits that exact archetype. He’s not just a shooter, but a dynamic scorer who can erupt at a moment’s notice, providing the type of off-ball gravity and microwave scoring that’s increasingly essential in postseason basketball.
Monk’s evolution in Sacramento has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023–24, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and shot 35.9% from deep—all while coming off the bench. But the numbers only tell part of the story. His ability to torch second units, heat up in crunch time, and inject pace into the offense made him a core part of the Kings’ identity. That experience, particularly alongside ball-dominant players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, has prepared him well for a complementary role next to someone like Dončić.
Luka has long thrived next to aggressive guards who can create their own shots and relieve him of full-time playmaking duties. Think Jalen Brunson’s breakout during the Mavericks’ 2022 run, or the occasional success Dallas saw with Spencer Dinwiddie. Even Kyrie Irving, despite an awkward fit at times, gave Luka a co-star who could attack closeouts, hit pull-up threes, and manufacture points in isolation. Monk brings similar skills to the table—but with less ego and more adaptability. His game isn’t just built on isolation scoring; it’s a versatile package that includes backdoor cuts, quick-fire catch-and-shoot threes, and a willingness to move without the ball.
That’s precisely the type of player who can maximize Dončić. The Slovenian maestro is at his best when surrounded by smart cutters and knockdown shooters—players who force defenders to stay honest and open up the floor for his signature stepbacks and skip passes. Monk’s presence would not only enhance Dončić’s playmaking avenues but also reduce the burden on LeBron and Reaves to constantly create in half-court sets. It’s about finding the right blend of stars and specialists, and Monk is the rare player who can float between those two roles with ease.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s also a cultural and chemistry angle that makes Monk’s return appealing. His first stint in LA saw him quickly endear himself to teammates and fans. He brought energy, confidence, and a willingness to take big shots—traits that often separate good teams from great ones. As LeBron approaches the twilight of his career and the Lakers seek to maximize every remaining season of his greatness, adding players who understand the moment and won’t shrink from the spotlight is crucial. Monk has proven he’s built for that.
Of course, any acquisition of this magnitude comes with logistical hurdles. Monk is under contract with the Sacramento Kings, and the Lakers would need to convince their Pacific Division rival to make a deal. But timing might be on their side. If the Kings lose Russell Westbrook in free agency—a plausible outcome given rumored interest from other teams—they may be inclined to reshuffle their backcourt. Monk, despite his value, could become expendable if Sacramento chooses to retool around Fox, rookie Devin Carter, and other emerging talents.
That’s where the Lakers could—and should—make their move. Offering a package built around a future first-round pick, promising rookie Dalton Knecht, and salary filler (such as Jalen Hood-Schifino or Jarred Vanderbilt) might be enough to pique Sacramento’s interest. While giving up Knecht would be a tough pill to swallow—especially given his potential as a sharpshooter and high-IQ wing—Monk’s proven ability to contribute at a high level in playoff scenarios could outweigh the theoretical upside of a rookie. And in an arms race with the likes of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Suns, the Lakers can’t afford to play the long game.
The closing lineups are where Monk’s impact would be felt most immediately. Imagine a quintet of Dončić, Reaves, Monk, LeBron, and Anthony Davis. That group would feature elite playmaking, versatile scoring, and switchable defense, all wrapped in high basketball IQ and championship experience. The spacing would be improved, the ball movement more fluid, and the threat level on each possession exponentially higher. In late-game scenarios where every possession is magnified, having someone like Monk—who can manufacture a bucket out of thin air—is invaluable.
Furthermore, the Lakers have often struggled with second-unit scoring. Too many stretches last season saw the offense stagnate when Dončić or LeBron sat. Monk could be the sparkplug that keeps the scoreboard moving, ensuring there’s no offensive drop-off when the stars rest. His ability to play both on and off the ball also makes him a seamless fit in nearly any lineup combination, offering Darvin Ham the flexibility to tinker with matchups throughout the regular season and playoffs.
From a financial standpoint, Monk’s \$17 million per year price tag isn’t cheap, but it’s manageable within the Lakers’ current cap structure—especially if they’re able to offload other contracts to make the numbers work. And unlike other mid-tier contracts that age poorly, Monk’s value is unlikely to diminish, given his skill set, age (he just turned 27), and increasing efficiency. In fact, the rising salary cap may soon make his deal look like a bargain, particularly if he maintains his Sixth Man of the Year form.
It’s worth noting that Dončić has reportedly voiced interest in having more weapons around him—players who can create offense independently and reduce the wear and tear he absorbs over an 82-game season. Monk fits that mold perfectly. He’s a known quantity to Lakers management, a fan favorite, and someone who has already proven he can handle the bright lights of Los Angeles. Reuniting with him isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic.
The NBA is increasingly a league of fits and firepower. Teams that can seamlessly blend stars with high-functioning role players are the ones that advance deep into May and June. The Lakers have their foundational stars. What they need now is someone like Malik Monk—an explosive scorer, a playoff-tested contributor, and a former Laker who just might be the missing piece to unlock everything this roster is capable of. If Sacramento shows even a sliver of willingness to deal, Rob Pelinka and the front office must act quickly.
This isn’t about collecting names; it’s about constructing a team that makes sense on both ends of the court. Monk’s skill set is rare, his familiarity with the Lakers’ ecosystem is invaluable, and his chemistry with LeBron and other key pieces is already established. Pairing him with Dončić, one of the game’s most cerebral and dominant offensive engines, could elevate both players while pushing the Lakers back into the championship conversation where they believe they belong.
Ultimately, a reunion with Malik Monk may seem like a luxury, but for a Lakers team with title aspirations and a generational talent in Luka Dončić, it could be a necessity. With the right offer, the right timing, and a bit of vision, LA could bring Monk back—and in doing so, potentially unlock their most potent version yet.
