Max Christie entered the 2023-24 season with high expectations after being drafted by the Lakers in 2022. However, under head coach Darvin Ham, Christie struggled to carve out a consistent role in the Lakers’ rotation. Despite his size, athleticism, and defensive potential, he found himself on the bench for much of the season. Ham favored more experienced players, limiting Christie’s opportunities to showcase his skills.
NBA Business: Redick ‘Previews’ Max Christie’s New Lakers 3-and-D role
Though he made occasional appearances, Christie’s impact remained minimal, and his development stalled as the season progressed. It became evident that he needed more consistent minutes and a defined role to unlock his potential.
Redick’s Vision for Christie’s Role
Enter JJ Redick, the Lakers’ new head coach for the 2024-25 season. Redick’s arrival has signaled a shift in how the Lakers plan to utilize Christie. Redick has spoken highly of Christie, expressing confidence in his ability to play a larger role in the Lakers’ system. His approach is different from Ham’s, focusing on Christie’s versatility and defensive prowess. Even LeBron James has publicly praised Christie, hinting at a larger role for the young wing. It’s eerily similar to how James advocated for Rui Hachimura’s increased minutes in the 2023 offseason.
Redick is staying true to his offseason plans. His faith in Christie was made clear during the Lakers first preseason game. Redick started Christie at the small forward position in LeBron’s absence. It is a clear sign that Christie is being groomed for more significant responsibilities in the rotation.
Christie’s Defensive Value: Point-of-Attack Defender
What makes Christie’s case for a larger role even more compelling is his defensive versatility. Standing at six-foot-six with a six-foot-nine wingspan, Christie has the physical tools to excel as a point-of-attack defender. Redick utilized him in this role during their preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Christie tied for the third-most field goal attempts on the team. Beyond his offensive contributions, Christie’s defense at the point of attack stood out. His size and length allowed him to disrupt opposing ball handlers and contest shots effectively. Christie’s hip mobility and quick feet help him track ballhandlers around screens and recover against wing scorers. He was used to pick up ballhandlers from 90 feet and hound them up the court. Redick could go to this defensive scheme during the regular season.
This new role is crucial for Christie’s development. It allows him to leverage his physical advantages while also providing the Lakers with a reliable defensive wing. As the Lakers navigate injuries—currently with four players sidelined—Christie’s emergence as a defender will be vital in maintaining the team’s defensive standards.
A Steal at $7 Million
One of the most telling aspects of Christie’s rise is how it aligns with the Lakers’ financial strategy. The Lakers signed Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal as a restricted free agent, securing him through the 2027-28 season. With an average annual salary of $8 million, Christie’s contract could look more and more like a steal. His ability to fill the coveted 3-and-D role, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him one of the Lakers’ most valuable young assets moving forward. He has shot the three-ball at a 37.8% clip for his career. It’s on a small volume though (1.7 attempts per game). Still, it’s above last year’s league average (36.6%) and last year’s average for small forwards (35.4%)
The Lakers are constantly looking to maximize their cap space while maintaining a competitive roster. Christie’s development into a reliable wing player could be a key positive development for the Lakers. His $7.1 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season will be a bargain if this happens.
Competition for LeBron’s Backup
It’s becoming clearer that Christie is seen as a wing in Redick’s rotation. Christie will likely compete with Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht for minutes. Vanderbilt offers a more rugged defensive presence. However, Christie’s offensive upside and ability to guard multiple positions make him a strong candidate for extended minutes.
Redick’s willingness to experiment with Christie at the small forward spot and as a point-of-attack defender shows that the Lakers are committed to developing him into a key contributor. If Christie continues to grow into his role, he could become a crucial piece of the Lakers’ rotation. That will be especially true in a season where injuries test the team’s depth.
Max Christie Finally Getting a Role on the Lakers
Christie’s 2023-24 season may have been a struggle, but under Redick, his future with the Lakers looks much brighter. With Redick giving Christie a more significant role and LeBron endorsing his potential, Christie is poised to become a key part of the Lakers’ rotation. His ability to serve as a versatile 3-and-D wing, combined with his team-friendly contract, makes him an essential piece for the Lakers in the 2024-25 season and beyond.
As the Lakers navigate injuries and prepare for a deep playoff run, Christie’s continued development will be crucial. If he can capitalize on the opportunities ahead, he could emerge as the most valuable young player on the Lakers’ roster.
