When the Los Angeles Lakers took Max Christie with the 35th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, some scratched their heads.
Christie had played one season at Michigan State University and averaged 9.3 points per game while shooting 38.2% from the field. Most believed he would be a long-term project, and that feeling only intensified when he struggled during summer league play.
But Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has been gradually giving Christie more playing time, and the rookie has responded in an unexpected way. In doing so, he is clawing his way into the team’s regular rotation.
He showed good effort and activity on the defensive end and the boards dating to his summer league stint, but his perimeter shooting was very poor. Most believed it would take him a while to develop that aspect of his game. It wasn’t even a lock he would ever become even an average outside shooter.
But Christie is shooting an outstanding 43.9% from 3-point range this season on 1.8 attempts in 13.5 minutes per game. For a Lakers team that has been going through a 3-point shooting famine, that is extremely welcome news.
In addition, he has shown a defensive awareness lacking in many rookies.
Watch Max Christie on this possession 🤯 he’s gonna be special defensively 🔜 💯 pic.twitter.com/kXuyV48rDX
— Coach James 🇭🇹 (@JamesEdrick3) January 8, 2023
Watch Max Christie defend on this possession. Help. recover. Help. Recover. Forces a tough shot from Huerter. pic.twitter.com/wmIR5VCNYn
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) January 8, 2023
The 6-foot-6 wing has reportedly bulked up and gained about 10 pounds since the summer, which has allowed him to play the small forward position, a position lacking for the team.
On Monday, he drew his first NBA start when LeBron James was held out due to left foot soreness. He responded by going 6-of-8 overall and 2-of-3 downtown for a career-high 14 points.
The Lakers have lacked first-round draft picks. They traded several of them to acquire Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook. Hitting on second-round picks like Christie, as well as undrafted rookies such as Austin Reaves, is the best way to replenish their depth and create tradable assets.
Christie is learning from James
Not only has Christie been described as a sponge in terms of learning about the game, but he is also learning about how to take care of his body from LeBron James, who is still playing at an elite level in his 20th season.
Via The Athletic:
“Christie has studied James’ pre- and postgame routines throughout the season. And for the past three weeks, he’s been implementing everything James shared with him, ranging from icing his knees and feet to using Normatec boots to cold showers and foam rolling and stretching.
“‘Everything he does from after the game in the locker room to before the game, how he gets ready for games,’ Christie told The Athletic. ‘I mean, I’ve observed everything, and I’m trying to use everything that he’s been doing and putting it in my repertoire.'”
It all adds up to what could be a serious and productive NBA future for the 19-year-old.
