This past offseason, Max Christie inked a four-year, $32 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers—a move that raised some eyebrows. After all, the 20-year-old guard averaged just 14.1 minutes per game last season and was still searching for his place in the NBA.
Fast forward to now, and Christie is making the most of his opportunities. He’s started the last four games, helping the Lakers to a 3-1 record in that span. Known for his perimeter defense and relentless effort, Christie is carving out a role as a reliable starter, proving the Lakers’ investment was well-placed.
While there’s still room for growth, Christie’s recent performances suggest he’s on the path to becoming a key contributor for L.A. moving forward.
Max Christie is emerging as the Lakers’ defensive solution.
The Lakers have long been searching for a versatile perimeter defender who can guard the opposition’s best player on a nightly basis while contributing offensively with a reliable three-point shot. Trade rumors have swirled around the team’s desire to fill this void, but Max Christie might already be the answer.
In the past three games, Christie has drawn tough assignments against Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and De’Aaron Fox—three of the league’s premier guards. The results? A combined 22-for-58 shooting performance from the trio, with each player held below their season scoring averages.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds, Christie has proven he’s more than capable of staying in front of elite scorers and making life difficult for them. His defensive effort, paired with his growing confidence on offense, suggests the Lakers might not need to look beyond their roster to find the defensive stopper they’ve been seeking.
Max Christie’s offensive growth adds another layer to the Lakers’ game plan.
Max Christie isn’t just making his mark defensively; he’s forcing opposing teams to account for him on offense as well. Over the last three games, Christie has shot a scorching 50% from beyond the arc, spacing the floor and making it difficult for defenses to crowd Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the post.
The 20-year-old guard is also showcasing his athleticism as a slasher. With a 37.5-inch vertical, Christie plays well above the rim, finishing through contact with impressive efficiency. He’s shooting a remarkable 70.6% in the restricted area, capitalizing on timely back cuts and exploiting defenders who lose focus.
While Christie has shown he’s capable of starting for the Lakers down the stretch, his emergence also boosts his trade value. With a team-friendly contract, he becomes a valuable asset should GM Rob Pelinka decide to pursue another star before the deadline. For now, Christie’s improvement is proving to be a win-win for the Lakers.