Opinion: Should Malik Monk Start at Shooting Guard for Los Angeles Lakers After a Impressive Outing vs Nets
Follow Us
The preseason for the 2021-22 NBA season has kicked off in an exciting fashion as the Nets defeated the Lakers in their own backyard. Both teams are the favorites to win the championship this season. While the preseason games are too early to judge anything, but Malik Monk has got us thinking with a brilliant debut against the Nets.
The Nets won 123-97 against the Lakers with a brilliant overall performance. The latter was underwhelming, but Monk stood out among the veterans despite starting from the bench. Malik, who turned 23 earlier this year, recorded 15 points on 6-12 shooting from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Malik was outstanding going forward; however, his defensive capabilities still need to improve. Regardless, he has made his case that he is ready for the shooting guard starting spot. Frank Vogel will now have a tough time in picking his starting lineup with so many players vying for the five spots.
Malik Monk gives Frank Vogel something to think about Los Angeles Lakers SG position
The Lakers lineup boasted of Anthony Davis, Kent Bazemore, DeAndre Jordan, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kendrick Nunn. Kendrick Nunn started as the shooting guard against the Nets and posted 9-7-1 in 24 mins.
However, when Malik Monk was substituted in, he outscored Nunn and posted 15-2-1 in 21 mins. Everyone talked about the Lakers’ aging roster and how they could struggle during a long season. In a sweet bit of irony, their youngsters impressed the most in the first preseason game.
Trending
Draymond Green’s Eyes Reveal Warriors’ Tricks Admits LeBron James, 7 Days After Best Friends Stood at Odds
March 27, 2024 02:02 PM EDT
Damian Lillard Calls Out Caitlin Clark’s Iowa’s Unfair Advantage Over West Virginia: March Madness
March 26, 2024 04:30 AM EDT
“Her Crown Is Heavy”: Lisa Bluder Unloads the Harsh Side of “Generational Player” Caitlin Clark’s Success After Iowa Hawkeyes Win
March 26, 2024 07:24 AM EDT
Spurs Injury Report: Is Victor Wembanyama Playing Tonight Against The Jazz?
March 27, 2024 02:17 PM EDT
Who’s Gabbie Marshall Dating? Details on Iowa’s #24 Star’s Love Life
March 25, 2024 07:38 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Malik, who spent his last four seasons with Charlotte Hornets, joined the Lakers during the summer. He took an enormous risk in joining a ‘super team’. Malik wasn’t a regular starter in Charlotte and started just one game in four seasons, but he joined the Lakers despite having so much competition.
However, it appears that Malik has taken an early lead in the race for the starting spot for shooting guard. The 23-year-old scored a team-high 15 points, which included 10 points in the 2nd quarter itself.
WATCH THIS STORY: Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets & Other Big Three’s to Watch Out for in Upcoming Season 2021-22
Anthony Davis lavishes praise on Malik Monk
But Malik’s performance made a big statement and left everyone impressed. Anthony Davis praised the young guard after his performance against the Nets.
“We’re still surprised we got him, to be honest,” Anthony Davis said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“He’s such a hell of a player. You saw what he did out there the minute that he played. He can score the ball at all three levels, play hard and make the right reads. He’s going to be fun to have this year.”
However, Malik wasn’t the only youngster that impressed. Combined with Kendrick Nunn, he posted 24 of the 30 point Lakers scored in the 2nd quarter.
The preseason’s results are not a concern, as the focus is on the process. But it can give an idea about who will start alongside Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the coming season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Malik Monk continue with his performance and break into the starting spot for the first time? Let us know in the comments below.