10 NBA Hidden Gems Nobody Is Talking Abouthttps://t.co/lPZSrqm5DZ via @BleacherReport
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 22, 2023
Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers
Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 7, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
It’s hard to shine next to the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, particularly when you see action in only 41 games as a 19-year-old rookie. That’s why Max Christie’s summer-league performance was so important; it proved he had the skills to be productive if given the opportunity.
The Michigan State product put up 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists across three games in Las Vegas, shredding the nets from everywhere.
After drilling 41.9 percent of his triples last season, the Los Angeles Lakers guard canned 45.7 percent in Vegas while also hitting 50.0 percent of his shots from the field and making every free-throw he attempted.
While those offensive numbers impress, Christie might have been even better on the other end. Summer league head coach JD Dubois praised his versatility on D, and the bulk he added over the past year should only make him more potent defensively this season.
The Lakers are deep, and Christie doesn’t figure to start unless injuries force him into the first unit. But it seems safe to assume his age-20 season will include more than 41 contests and 12.5 minutes per game. Expect a rotation role at minimum.
And if the gains Christie showed off in July prove to be real, fringe consideration for Most Improved Player could be in order.
Right now, backup shooting guard is our weakest position, which is why there has been discussion about replacing 20-year old Christie with Reddish, Prince, or Vanderbilt in order to get more size and experience in the lineup. So far, Max has struggled to reproduce his summer league exploits and is not shooting well.
Vanderbilt appears to be slated to be the fifth starter, which I think is smart. One way or another, Ham has to get his second best defender starter quality minutes one way or another. We gave up defense for offense offseason and this is Darvin’s way of balancing that scale. It’s either that or backing up Reaves.
If Vando starts, then Prince immediately becomes the favorite to backup Reaves. I love the added positional size advantage the Lakers would get and moving Prince to the two balances the guards and forwards on the roster. Ham making right moves.
As for Max, he just needs a little more time to grow. He’ll be on everybodey’s list when they talk to the Lakers and could easily be a sweetener in a trade if the Lakers need to upgrade at the deadline. He has great upside but it’s a lot to be backup shooting guard on a championship team when you’re just a 20-year old 2nd year player. Max will be fine player with a little more time. He’s got game.