Most of the signings by the Los Angeles Lakers involved veterans past their prime, but Malik Monk was an exception.
After spending the last four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Monk entered free agency because he was the odd guard out on the roster.
This past season, he averaged career highs in points per game (11.7) and 3-point percentage (40.1%), which makes him an intriguing prospect for the Lakers to develop.
He’s still just 23 years old and is one of the youngest players on the roster alongside the 20-year-old Talen Horton-Tucker.
Monk signed a one-year deal for the minimum, which caught many off guard, but if he can continue to increase his efficiency alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he’ll turn out to be good value.
Here are three goals for Monk to strive for this season: