Malik Monk on being a Lakers rookie: 'Everything older guys do, it's your fault' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix | Basketnews illustration Credit AFP - Scanpix | Basketnews illustration

After spending three years under the wing of Michael Jordan with the Charlotte Hornets, Malik Monk now plays alongside LeBron James in the Los Angeles Lakers. Together with performing under the brightest lights in the league comes the responsibility to do the best he possibly can to earn his spot.

Malik Monk

Team:Los Angeles LakersPosition:SGAge:24Height:191 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Arkansas, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Monk admits - it's difficult but he's already proven crucial for the team. Even LeBron James himself acknowledges that. "He brings a knockout punch that, to be completely honest with you, we haven't had on our roster since I got here," the superstar said.

Playing on a veteran team has its own difficulties, though. However, Monk has found a close friend to deal with the pressure in the new surroundings - a fellow Arkansas native Austin Reaves.

"Ups and downs. Rookie wall. Older guys yelling at the rookies because it's their fault," Monk explains what ties him and Reaves. "Everything they do, it's your fault out there because they know everything and you don't and when you mess up, you just got to take it. You got to deal with things like that. I talk to Austin almost every day."

The Lakers leadership sees Monk as a significant part of the club's future.

"The partnership has been a win from both sides," says Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager and vice president of basketball operations. "He's a guy that we would see as hopefully a part of our future."

Monk averages 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists for the Lakers this season, with all three metrics being the highest in his career.

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