Is Greg Monroe The Lakers Next Big Man?

Handling the spotlight

Sep 28, 2013; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during media day at the Lakers Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of responsibility comes with being a Lakers big man, and expectations are always high. He would have to demonstrate that he is capable of being the face of the franchise, and be the go-to guy after Kobe retires. It may be a stretch for Monroe, but he could ultimately be a very good second or third option in the coming years.

The history of Lakers big men stretches back to the 1950’s, and Monroe would have to accept the challenge of being the next great one. Dwight Howard wasn’t the guy because he simply couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in LA where production and winning is demanded. Hopefully Monroe could look at Howard’s situation as a case study and realize the mistakes he made along the way. Being a Lakers big man is a privilege, and Monroe must accept that, not run from it.

Overall, Greg Monroe would be a very solid pick up for the Lakers. He is still young and developing his game as a big man, but he’s going to have to elevate his play at some point next season. He’s a solid B-plus player right now, who should be an A, but he will eventually find his niche as a player. The Lakers will surely have options next summer. But it’s never too early to start predicting the future especially if Greg Monroe is destined to become the next great Lakers big.

But only time and cap space will tell the rest of the story.