If Max Christie is reading this right now, we just want to make you aware that WE SEE YOU!
Throughout his first few professional seasons, it seems as though Christie simply never received the type of opportunities that he was due. Despite being unable to purchase an adult beverage until just after last year’s NBA trade deadline, he consistently showcased a poised composure on both ends of the court. Christie’s defensive versatility has been there since Day 1, and we started seeing flashes of offensive brilliance throughout the 2023 Summer Leaguejust prior to his sophomore year.
During his aforementioned sophomore year, the 6’5”, 190 pound swingman found himself on the outside of Darvin Ham’s rotation looking in more often times than not, as he averaged a mere 14.1 MPG across 67 appearances(including 7 starts). There were subtle signs of the team’s next great 3&D wing, but he was never granted a fair shot at finding his full footing. With such sporadic spot minutes, it would be tough for anyone to sustain a steady rhythm. Still, Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss clearly saw enough hidden potential in the former Michigan State Spartan to warrant a hefty pay raise this summer.
Flash forward to the present NBA season (Christie’s 3rd), and we are starting to see Christie spread his wings.
Prior to the Lakers 112-107 victory over the Hornets in Charlotte this evening, Christie (who finished with 10 points + 3 assists on 3-6 shooting from deep) had been one of the most efficient 3&D players in the league across the last two months. His play in December landed him on our list of untouchables, and his numbers supported that billing: 28.8 MPG | 10.0 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 1.6 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 42.9% FG | 38.8% 3FG x 3.8 attempts/game | 86.8% FT.
He has been even better since the start of 2025: 31.6 MPG | 11.6 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 1.6 APG | 0.5 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 45.9% FG | 38.7% 3FG x 5.6 attempts/game | 77.8% FT.
There is no denying that Headband Reaves has taken the largest leap for the Lakers thus far, but Christie’s subliminal ascension is not to be slept on. With Jarred Vanderbilt back in the mix along with Dorian Finney Smith’s tenacious track record on the defensive end, Christie has a lot less responsibility on the end of the floor which has primarily kept him on the court throughout this point in his career. If he continues to make strides on the opposite end of the floor, it might be impossible for JJ Redick to keep him off the court.
