This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by signing Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal. For some, this decision was surprising, especially considering Christie’s lackluster performance during the 2023-24 NBA season.
‘Bit Shocking’ To See Lakers Re-sign Fringe Player, Former Exec Reveals Popular Opinion
Among the skeptics is The Athletic’s John Hollinger. He noted that many around the league share his sentiment that the Lakers may have overvalued the young guard.
“The problem was that A) they actually tried him quite a bit (944 minutes across 67 games), and B) he wasn’t any good (8.4 PER, minus-3.6 BPM), such that C) he couldn’t crack the full-strength rotation of what was arguably the worst bench in the league,” Hollinger wrote. “Thus, it was a bit shocking to see the Lakers commit to a four-year, $32 million free-agent deal to bring him back, one that included a fourth-year player option. Talking to some other people around the league, I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion.”
His criticism raises a broader concern: Was Christie truly deserving of such a commitment, or did the Lakers miscalculate?
Underwhelming Sophomore Year
To unpack this, it’s important to consider Christie’s performance last season. In his second year with the Lakers, Christie averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. His shooting splits—42.7% from the field, 35.6% from three-point range, and 78.3% from the free-throw line—were serviceable but far from exceptional. Moreover, his advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture. An 8.4 Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is well below the league average of 15. Also, his -3.6 Box Plus-Minus (BPM) indicates that he was a net negative for the team when on the floor.
Christie’s role within the Lakers’ rotation diminished as the season progressed, particularly after the All-Star break. Before the break, he averaged 17.2 minutes across 43 games. However, in the 24 games following the break, his playing time was cut significantly to just 8.5 minutes per game. This decline in minutes suggests that the coaching staff lost confidence in him as the team approached the postseason. This sentiment was echoed in the playoffs, where Christie was a non-factor. He failed to log a single minute in the Lakers’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Given these stats and circumstances, it’s easy to understand why Hollinger and others question the Lakers’ decision to lock in Christie for four more years at an average of $8 million annually. However, it’s also crucial to consider the factors that might have influenced the Lakers’ decision to bet on the 21-year-old guard.
Max Christie’s Upside on the Lakers?
Christie is still very young and is entering just his third NBA season. Players often experience significant growth in their third and fourth years in the league, and the Lakers might be banking on this potential. The presence of new head coach JJ Redick could also play a significant role in Christie’s development. Redick, though unproven as a coach, enjoyed a long and successful career as a sharpshooter. He brings a wealth of experience that could be invaluable to a young player like Christie.
The Lakers’ decision might also be rooted in a desire to maintain continuity within their roster. Over the past few years, the team has undergone significant changes. Keeping a young player like Christie—who has already spent two seasons with the franchise—could provide some much-needed stability. Moreover, in a league where contracts for even role players are skyrocketing, locking in Christie at $8 million per year could prove to be a bargain if he develops into a reliable “three-and-D” contributor.
Additionally, by investing in Christie, the Lakers are choosing familiarity and potential upside over the uncertainty of the free agent market. While they could have signed another young player or a veteran for a similar price, they opted to stick with a player who already knows their system and has room to grow. This decision reflects a calculated risk: betting that Christie’s third season will see him make a significant leap.
The Last Word
Ultimately, whether the Lakers’ faith in Christie will pay off remains to be seen. If he can capitalize on the opportunity and improve under Redick’s guidance, the Lakers’ gamble could prove to be a savvy move. However, if Christie fails to develop, the contract could become a burden, adding to the growing list of questionable decisions the franchise has made in recent years. As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on Christie to see if he can justify the Lakers’ investment and emerge as a key piece of their rotation.
