The Los Angeles Lakers addressed needs like rim protection and perimeter defense this offseason, but their three-point shooting remains a concern.
In the 2023-24 season, the Lakers ranked 14th in three-point efficiency (36.4%) and 15th in three-pointers made (13.3) in the regular season. Those numbers dipped even further in their five-game playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, a former Sixth Man of the Year finalist, is a bona fide perimeter threat who could help the Lakers. Fadeaway World proposed a Lakers trade that would send Monk to Los Angeles in exchange for Rui Hachimura and few draft assets.
Lakers would receive: Malik Monk
Kings would receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 first-round pick (lottery protected), 2032 second-round pick
A Reliable Scorer to Bolster Lakers
Monk, who averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game in the 2024-25 season, would give the Lakers a deadly weapon off the bench. The writer also argued that the trade may be a risk due to the Lakers’ crowded backcourt.
“His ability to create his own shot, break down defenses, and catch fire as a microwave scorer could be a major asset to the Lakers, who are building around Luka Doncic and still holding onto LeBron James for what might be his final run.
“However, the Lakers already possess a crowded backcourt rotation with Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Bronny James, and Gabe Vincent.
“Adding Monk could boost their offensive firepower but it would also demand another reshuffling of their guard-heavy roster.”
It has been widely reported that the Kings are shopping Monk in trades, and included him in a potential deal with the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga. According to multiple insiders, the Kings’ reluctance to include an unprotected first-round draft pick nixed the trade, as the Warriors were keen to acquire Monk.
Lakers Among Favorites to Land Monk
According to online sportsbook Bovada, the Lakers are among the betting favorites to land Monk via trade, behind only the Warriors. The Lakers own the second-best odds at +300, behind the Warriors (+250). Rounding up the list are the Detroit Pistons (+500), Toronto Raptors (+650), Dallas Mavericks (+750) and Milwaukee Bucks (+2000).
While Hachimura may not have Kuminga’s upside, he could be a good alternate to the Warriors wing.
“With the Kings still shopping Monk, flipping him for an expiring contract like Rui’s makes sense. Rui Hachimura is coming off an efficient season where he averaged 13.3 points per game, albeit in a limited sample size, on a scorching 50.9% shooting from the floor and 41.3% from three.
“Hachimura remains a versatile, physically gifted forward who could help Sacramento as a rotational piece or trade chip next season before his deal expires.”
Monk has three years left on his four-year, $78 million contract. With the Lakers reportedly intent on keeping their books clear for the 2027 offseason — when Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo could both become available — it could be a risky proposition to add Monk. However, insiders believe he presents a budget-friendly contract that could be moved at a later date to create cap room.
“From a cap standpoint, the trade is feasible. But the implications stretch beyond just money.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Trade Pitch Lands 17 PPG Sharpshooter appeared first on Heavy Sports.