{"id":96798,"date":"2024-09-20T12:58:07","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T16:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=96798"},"modified":"2024-09-20T12:58:07","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T16:58:07","slug":"promising-lakers-guard-max-christie-explains-decision-to-stay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/20\/promising-lakers-guard-max-christie-explains-decision-to-stay\/","title":{"rendered":"Promising Lakers Guard Explains Decision to Stay"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite seeing minimal action over the last two seasons, many Lakers fans still hoped that\u00a0<\/span>Max Christie<\/span><\/a> would stick around as he entered free agency. He allowed fans to breathe a sigh of relief before the offseason officially commenced, re-signing with the purple and gold on a four-year, $32 million contract.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Christie has outlined what made him stay with the Lakers, who have had a stagnant offseason despite hopes of adding help for <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Anthony Davis<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Promising Lakers Guard Explains Decision to Stay<\/b><\/h2>\n

Max Christie: \u201cWe\u2019re Building Something Great Here\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n

In an interview with <\/span>Spectrum Sportsnet’s Allie Clifton<\/span><\/a>, Christie reiterated his belief in the franchise that drafted him with the 35th overall pick in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to come back. We\u2019re building something great here. We got two big dogs in LeBron and AD. We got a fiery new coaching staff that I really like so far, I\u2019ve been getting along with them really well. It was just great to get that done right before free agency started. I\u2019m happy to be back. I\u2019ve been working here for a while now, and I\u2019m happy to get the new season rolling.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christie also reflected on his second season in the league, one marked by limited opportunities despite his seemingly unlimited potential. Across 67 games (7 starts), the former Michigan State Spartan put up 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 14.1 minutes per game. He shot 42% from the field, 35% from three and 78% from the free-throw line. He noted one of the biggest lessons from last year went beyond the physical side of basketball.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow important the mental game is for me, how confident I feel right now. And that\u2019s really a big byproduct of what I\u2019ve worked on this summer. It\u2019s been a big part of my mental game. I feel like I have the skills\u2014offensively I shoot the ball pretty well and defensively, I\u2019m athletic enough and I have the instincts to guard people. So, for me, I think it\u2019s having the confidence to put that into action this year when I am out there on the floor, so I\u2019m excited for that.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christie Poised for Strong Season<\/b><\/h3>\n

Considering the current state of the Lakers\u2019 roster, it appears Christie could see an uptick in minutes sooner rather than later, with some believing <\/span>he could have a breakout season<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Christie has already shown flashes of what he can do when given the chance. The league\u2019s <\/span>tracking data<\/span><\/a> highlights his growth on the offensive end of the floor. The 21-year-old nailed 40% of his catch-and-shoot jumpers last season, a critical skill next to James and Davis. He also shot 64% in the paint and 41% on drives, and ultimately holds an effective field goal percentage of 51.3%. Maintaining that efficiency will be essential towards Christie’s growth this year. He could turn into a reliable option for the Lakers’ second unit or, if needed, the starting lineup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Christie was just as solid on the defensive end of the floor, where he displayed a knack for containing opposing guards with his length and agility. However, the following video from Laker Film Room brought up a key revelation: while Christie is great at contesting jumpers, he struggled to guard players who would attack his chest or speed right past him. Those are two areas he can improve on in camp and preseason, and there\u2019s no doubt he\u2019ll do so before opening night.<\/span><\/p>\n