The Los Angeles Lakers’ best move in the 2025 offseason was the signing of Malik Monk, a dynamic shooting guard who returns to L.A. after a breakout stint with the Sacramento Kings. Monk’s return signals not only a reunion with a franchise he once thrived in during the 2021–22 season but also a strategic masterstroke by the Lakers’ front office. Amidst a competitive Western Conference, the Lakers needed an infusion of scoring, athleticism, and shot creation—Monk checks all those boxes and more.
Monk signed a four-year deal worth approximately $78 million, a relative bargain considering his production and upside. In Sacramento, he averaged 18.4 points and 5.3 assists per game in the 2024–25 season, often serving as the Kings’ go-to scoring option off the bench and a deadly closer in crunch time. He finished second in the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, showcasing his ability to shift momentum and deliver in high-pressure moments. Monk’s three-level scoring, combined with his improved playmaking and underrated defense, make him a versatile weapon in any lineup.
What makes this move particularly perfect for the Lakers is Monk’s pre-existing chemistry with cornerstone player Anthony Davis and the rest of the core roster. During his previous stint with the Lakers, Monk averaged 13.8 points on 39.1% shooting from deep, often thriving alongside LeBron James and Davis. His return also helps balance the backcourt, adding explosive scoring that complements the more steady presence of D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent.
In a league dominated by perimeter play, the Lakers desperately needed someone who could create his own shot and stretch the floor consistently. Monk’s ability to heat up quickly provides the Lakers with a scoring punch they often lacked last season when their offense stagnated in half-court sets. He also offers lineup flexibility—he can play as a starter or come off the bench, allowing head coach JJ Redick multiple ways to deploy his guards depending on matchups.
This signing also demonstrates that the Lakers are serious about building a sustainable contender post-LeBron. With the King entering his final NBA seasons, Monk represents part of the franchise’s transitional core along with Davis, Austin Reaves, and 2024 draft pick Dalton Knecht. Monk is only 27, still approaching his prime, and gives L.A. a modern offensive threat who can keep the team competitive in the coming years.
In a busy offseason that also saw the Lakers retain key role players and make savvy depth additions, Monk’s signing stands out as their most impactful. It combines value, fit, upside, and familiarity—all essential ingredients for a team that still believes in contending while preparing for the future. For the Lakers, this wasn’t just a good move—it was the perfect one.
