Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk said on Sunday that LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook would eventually find a way to collaborate.
According to league sources, James, Davis, and Westbrook recently spoke on the phone ahead of training camp, trying to find a common ground to prepare for a new season. The Los Angeles Lakers are in need to figure out how to recover from the disastrous 2021-22.
Last season, Monk played alongside Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, but he did not even make the play-in tournament.
Monk’s departure was the most significant offseason loss for the Lakers. Monk was one of the team’s few bright spots during the 2021-22 season. He bounced back from a disappointing free agency in 2021 to become one of the top offensive weapons in Los Angeles.
Monk reportedly turned down taxpayer-funded mid-level exception money from Los Angeles to sign a two-year, $19 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.
When asked about the phone conversation the big three had, the new guard told TMZ Sports, “They grown men. Especially when they have convos like that, it’ll work out for them.”
Monk had a breakout season in Los Angeles. He played 76 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 13.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and an impressive 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. He quickly became friends with James, and the two have a great rapport on the court.
Monk said sharing the floor with the big three, especially LeBron, was a great experience for him.
“They’re all great…It’s Bron, bro. He gon’ try to help every teammate he comes in contact with,” he said.
“So, I have nothing bad to say about him…You got to play at a level he plays at If not, you going to get surpassed. That’s why he’s so great,” Monk continued.
Westbrook’s career in peril
There have been rumors that Westbrook’s career with the Lakers would come to an end. ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps said on a June 22 episode of Brian Windhorst’s Hoops Collective that if Westbrook had another season of conflicts, it could be his final season in the league.
“He might be out of the league after the Lakers,” Bontemps said.
In his first season with the Lakers, Westbrook struggled to find a consistent groove. He was widely blamed for the team’s losses.
Westbrook’s name has been cited frequently in trade rumors, specifically in connection with a possible package involving Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.
In 2022-23, the former MVP will earn $47 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023. ESPN reported that Westbrook had parted ways with his longtime agent, Thad Foucher, due to irreconcilable differences. Foucher said in a statement that Westbrook’s “best option is to stay with the Lakers”.
The Lakers acquired Westbrook when James was approaching the age of 37 and Davis’ season was ravaged by injuries. The three players are different in their personalities and approaches to the game, hindering them from collaborating effectively. The Big Three, however, has dismissed any concerns about their compatibility.