Lakers Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Free Agency

The 2022 version of NBA free agency opens Thursday night.

That means we're right in the heart of smokescreen season.

With the rumor mill moving at warp speed, it can be tricky to sift through all of the chatter to decipher what's real and what isn't. That's where we come in, as we're rounding up the latest Lakers rumors and giving them the trusty old smell test to see if they're based in fact or fiction.

Malik Monk Seeking 'More Lucrative' Offers Outside of LA

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 10: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 10, 2022 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

When Malik Monk entered free agency a year ago, he was forced to settle on a minimum pact with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After posting a host of career highs in 2021-22 (including 13.8 points per game and a 47.3 field-goal percentage), the 24-year-old has positioned himself for a major payday.

That could complicate matters for the Lakers, who can only offer him the taxpayer mid-level exception (worth $6.3 million).

While Monk did express a willingness to consider taking less money from L.A. than other teams could offer in an interview with The Athletic's Jovan Buha, B/R's Jake Fischer reported "Monk is also searching for more lucrative deals."

Verdict: Fact. It's a smart business move for Monk to know his market. Once he has a sense for what kind of money is available, then he can determine whether staying with the Lakers would require too much of a discount or not.

Lakers Plan to Start Season with Russell Westbrook

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

After Russell Westbrook made the easy to decision to pick up his $47.1 million player option, he effectively tied himself into the team's hands.

For now, at least.

"Though a Westbrook trade is still possible, the Lakers are currently planning on beginning next season with him on the roster," Buha reported.

The Lakers, Buha added, would prefer to deal Westbrook "given the concerns surrounding his declining play, his fit with [LeBron] James and [Anthony] Davis and his willingness to adapt to the team's desired role for him." However, L.A. wants to get a deal done without losing a first-round pick, which seems impossible.

Verdict: Fact.

Lakers Focused on Two-Way Wings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 1: LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2022 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)

As the Lakers look to retool their roster around the James-Davis duo, they have a specific player type in mind.

"The Lakers are focusing on two-way wings," Buha reported. "Most of the hypothetical scenarios for their taxpayer mid-level exception have been centered on signing a wing or two who could come in and start next to James and Davis."

L.A. wants a wing who can provide floor spacing and defensive versatility. So does every other team in the modern NBA.

Verdict: Fact that the Lakers want a starting-caliber, two-way wing; fiction that they'll be able to afford one in free agency.