Russell Westbrook left the Los Angeles Lakers as the central figurehead of the Los Angeles Lakers' abysmal 2021-22 NBA season. Malik Monk offered one of the few bright spots during that painful campaign. After failing to work together, Westbrook could be coming for Monk's spot in Sacramento.
The former Lakers fan favorite was beloved for his contributions to an otherwise bleak season. Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in the 2021-22 season with the Lakers. The high-scoring guard pivoted that into a pay day with the Sacramento Kings.
In 2025, the Kings are setting their focus on adding the other former Lakers guard in this equation.