Lakers' patience with third-year guard is paying off

In the tumultuous landscape of the NBA season, third-year guard Max Christie's journey with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a testament to patience and strategic foresight.

When the 21-year-old found himself sidelined early in the season, questions arose. Signed to a substantial four-year, $32M deal just this past offseason, expectations were high despite modest performances in his first two professional seasons. 

Known for his defensive prowess and developmental strides in the G League with South Bay, the Lakers' front office saw a long-term investment in Christie's potential. Unlike past moves where young talents were swiftly traded, the third-year guard's trajectory has taken a different turn. 

Despite early setbacks, recent weeks have seen a resurgence for the Lakers' two-way threat, with head coach JJ Redick reintegrating him into both the rotation and even the starting lineup. The decision has paid dividends, benefiting both Christie's growth and the team's overall performance.

Unleashing potential

Christie's statistical resurgence underscores his evolving role. After averaging 3.1 and 4.2 points per game in his first two seasons, respectively, the 2024-25 campaign has seen him achieve a career-best 8.1 points per game. 

His three-point shooting has also seen marked improvement, as he's hitting 37% from beyond the arc, showcasing his development as an offensive threat while maintaining his defensive prowess.

Since reclaiming a starting role, the young guard has been a standout performer, averaging 11.3 points, three rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. His efficiency is noteworthy; he's shooting 47.6% from the field and an impressive 40.7% from three-point range on 4.2 attempts per game. 

A career-high 28-point explosion against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 2 highlighted his capability to impact games significantly.

Defensive revival

Beyond individual achievements, Christie's return has bolstered the Lakers' defensive efforts, a sore point earlier in the season. His defensive versatility, coupled with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, has transformed the Lakers into a formidable defensive unit. 

Over the last 13 games with Christie in the starting lineup, the Lakers have ascended to the 13th-best defensive rating in the league, a stark improvement from earlier struggles. This surge has coincided with eight wins in that span, elevating them to the sixth seed in the competitive Western Conference.

The 6-foot-5 guard’s impact extends beyond statistics. His presence allows stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis to focus on offensive contributions while enhancing the performance of other offensive-minded players like Austin Reaves. This adaptability has validated the Lakers' faith in Christie as a foundational piece for both present success and future aspirations.

Christie's journey from uncertainty to impact embodies the Lakers' strategic vision and the rewards of patient development. As the season unfolds, his continued evolution promises to be a pivotal factor in the Lakers' pursuit of playoff success and beyond.