Improved and impressive third-year Laker Max Christie is showing true signs of a different player than Lakers fans are used to seeing. With his defense showing the most development so far, Christie received praise from his squad mates and coach over the weekend as they gave their input on what they’re seeing on the court.
Max Christie Earns High Remarks from Teammate & Coach
JJ Redick Acknowledges Third-Year Lakers Player Max Christie
Lakers shooting guard and third-year player Max Christie hopes to have a breakout season following two years of up-and-down play. The Lakers drafted Christie in 2022. However, the 6-foot-6 player out of Michigan State has never averaged more than 14 minutes a game or 4.2 points per game. Chalk it up to poor player development on the Lakers side with Darvin Ham‘s coaching staff or Christie’s challenges adapting to the NBA. Regardless, Christie’s development is now in JJ Redick‘s hands. The results of that development thus far are already leaving a good impression.
In the Lakers’ first two preseason games, Christie has shown vast improvement from last season and looks like a different player altogether. Austin Reaves spoke to Christie’s defensive performance following a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last Friday.
“Yeah, I think Max was phenomenal defensively,” Reaves said. “I don’t know how many blocks he had but, just being physical and when guys got around the rim to go shoot a lay up, he’d go make a play on the ball. With his athleticism, his physicality, that’s going to be big for us this year.”
To Christie’s credit, he recorded two blocks against the Timberwolves, one steal, and six defensive rebounds. He added another steal and three rebounds on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.
JJ Redick also Gives Max Christie His Flowers
The third-year Laker has already shown glimpses of his offseason improvements and what Redick has spoken to in recent press sessions regarding Christie’s development. He admits to having a different feeling going into this season than last year. One good thing for him is that he is already a good three-point shooter. Redick’s game plan and style of play this season emphasize shooting more threes. Christie has averaged 37.8% from the three-point line and has been in rhythm in the preseason so far.
Redick already sees a lot in Christie through two games. Over the weekend, he expressed some kind compliments toward the 21-year-old.
“Max is an old soul. He’s wise, and he’s mature,” Redick said. “And he takes this very seriously, and I really appreciate that about him. So, it’s not a surprise to me in a game like this he plays a lot of minutes, he doesn’t hang his head. He just keeps competing. He’s going to be very valuable for us this year.”
Christie’s Ceiling Just Raised
Max Christie is on a path to moving away from being a limited and underused bench player. According to his new coach, he is developing into a trusted, productive, valuable role piece in the Lakers’ regular rotation. Judging by what we saw from him during his first two years in the NBA, his career trajectory may have changed now. Of course, Christie will remain coming off the bench. However, it is already evident that his second-unit responsibilities and impact will differ greatly from seasons past.
