Lakers' Monk: Money isn't biggest priority in free agency

Malik Monk is open to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, even if it means taking a discount.

"Money is always a part, man, but I don't think it's the biggest priority in my free agency this year," the free-agent guard told The Athletic's Jovan Buha. "It's me feeling like I'm having a home, and I can go out there and do the same things I did this year."

Monk joined Los Angeles last season on a veteran minimum deal after spending the previous four campaigns with the Charlotte Hornets. The former lottery pick is in line for a raise after a solid 2021-22 campaign with the Lakers.

Monk registered career highs in points (13.8 per game), field-goal percentage (47.3%), and assists (2.9) to go along with a 39.1% mark from deep. However, Los Angeles' cap constraints mean its best offer would be the taxpayer mid-level exception, which amounts to approximately $6.3 million.

"They might not be able to pay me as much as I want," Monk said. "But I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker than going to any other team (that would pay) me $5 million more. So it's just me trying to figure out what team would really want me."