Malik Monk Thrives as a Starter, Stanley Johnson Finds a Role, and the Lakers Officially Trade Rajon Rondo - a podcast by Locked On Podcast Network, Anthony Irwin

The Lakers aren't just on a two-game winning streak. (It's depressing that a pair of consecutive wins qualifies as a shift, but that's the world we currently live in.) They're also getting closer to some interesting roster decisions regarding the futures of Avery Bradley, Stanley Johnson, Darren Collison and perhaps even someone like DeAndre Jordan along the roster fringes. That in large part played a role in the trading of Rajon Rondo, which became official on Monday. Rondo went to Cleveland in a three-way deal with the Knicks that set up the former Laker champ with more playing time on a surprisingly good team (indicative of the respect and affection he garnered with the purple and gold brass, and in particular, Frank Vogel). It also saved L.A. about $4M in luxury tax money, which could create flexibility down the road.
In any event, the team will soon have to decide about Johnson and Collison's next deals (their 10-day contracts have expired) and whether to guarantee Bradley's contract before January 7th. Collison doesn't appear likely to be retained, but the Kamenetzkys would be shocked if Johnson and Bradley didn't remain on the team until season's end. Both have earned their spots (and in Bradley's case, mea culpas from the doubting K Bros), and are also cool stories in a season that's been largely depressing. It's always fun when easy to root for players succeed.Speaking of which, Malik Monk is another likable dude who's been absolutely killing it of late, and throughout the season in general. During Monday's practice, Monk shared some thoughts about this experience of betting on himself with the Lakers. Plus, he reveals the deep influence Nick Young played in his life!

HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: The Lakers have officially traded Rondo, which has some (positive) financial ramifications for the Lakers.

SEGMENT 2: The futures of Bradley and Johnson.SEGMENT 3: Thoughts on Monk's season (and right arm).

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