There has not been a ton for Los Angeles Lakers fans to get overly excited about so far this offseason, unless [you're a big believer in Deandre Ayton](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-crystal-clear-silver-lining-deandre-ayton-situation). But that could change if the team explores a reunion with someone they know quite well. Malik Monk is reportedly on the trade block, and given Sacramento’s situation, it might actually be realistic for the Lakers to swoop in and bring him back.
Monk had a brief but memorable stint with the Lakers back in 2021-22. He was one of the only bright spots during a year that did not have many, and fans were legitimately frustrated when he left for Sacramento that summer. The team clearly was not willing to match what the Kings offered him, and it was hard to blame Monk for chasing a payday. But now that the situation has shifted and his role in Sacramento is less certain, there is at least some reason to believe a return could be in play.
The Kings are not exactly a team angling for a deep playoff run. After their magical 2022-23 season, they've only been trending downward. After losing a foundational piece in De'Aaron Fox this past season, it's highly possible they could look to tear things down further.
Monk could be a fit in LA once again
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This is a Lakers roster that still lacks consistent scoring punch off the bench, and that was obvious after JJ Redick played the same five guys for an entire half during the first round of the playoffs. Monk would bring a different kind of energy to LA's locker room. He is not afraid to let it fly, he can get hot in a hurry, and he is a better passer now than he was the last time he wore the purple and gold.
Would he fix every issue the Lakers have? Of course not. But if you can bring back a player who already knows how to play next to LeBron in the Lakers system, fills a specific need, and still has something to prove. It's hard to find a downside to that, and especially if the price is right.
The Lakers do not need to make some splashy panic move to win the offseason, but going after Monk would be a savvy play. It would give them a bench scorer who can swing games when he gets rolling, and more importantly, it would give fans someone to rally behind again. Sometimes the smart move is also the familiar one, and this just feels like the kind of idea that makes too much sense not to explore.