The Los Angeles Lakers have what appears to be a championship-caliber roster for the 2023-24 NBA season. A couple of trades before this past season’s trade deadline along with a few additions this summer and internal improvement have made them a contender for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June 2024.
Still, there are some questions about how their rotation will shake out.
Incoming second-year guard Max Christie had a fantastic summer league, although that doesn’t necessarily mean his play will carry into the NBA season. Still, Jovan Buha wrote the Lakers are confident Christie will get significant playing time (h/t Lakers Daily).
Via The Athletic:
“His ascension is an X factor in the rotation,” wrote Buha. “If he can continue to develop as a shot creator and playmaker, he has a chance to carve out a significant role given his 3-point shooting and defensive ability. The Lakers are confident he can grow into being the team’s eighth or ninth man next season.”
Buha also noted the backup shooting guard spot is up for grabs, and it may be between Christie or Cam Reddish.
“Christie’s spot in the rotation likely comes down to him versus Cam Reddish. Based on their current strengths and skill sets, Christie makes more sense. The Lakers are higher on him. He’s the better shooter and defender, with more upside.”
The Lakers took a flyer on Reddish, who has largely been regarded as a bust in his four pro seasons, by signing him as a free agent a few weeks ago. Reddish has played mostly small forward since entering the NBA as the No. 10 pick in the 2019 draft.
