The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on second-year guard Max Christie, a pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft who did not see significant playing time for the team in 2018–19. After impressing veterans like Anthony Davis, the Lakers decided he was ready to join the rotation and may be a key contributor for the team this year.
For Christie, Saturday night’s loss to the Golden State Warriors in the preseason opener was a major performance. He logged the most minutes (25) and tied for the most points (15) on the squad, shooting 6/10 from the field and 2/4 from deep. It was the kind of effort that demonstrates his ability to compete at the highest level even when he comes up short.
In an interview with ESPN, Davis gushed about Christie’s development and the winning mindset he brings to every game.
“Tremendously. He has scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and toughness. Every little thing is taken care of by him. Absolute faith. Max has a lot of potential, and he’s starting to realize it. He has a keen sense of timing and is able to anticipate opportunities to score and execute. The simple fact of his being aggressive is what we’ll need from him at some point this season. Whether you want to participate in the game or not, just remember to retain an offensive mindset and be yourself. But he’s been playing well all through camp, and tonight was another strong showing.
Davis’s vote of confidence in Christie might have significant effects within the company and on Christie himself. It’s tough for a second-year player to make an impact on a team with two legends and several seasoned pros.
Christie will be supported by his teammates no matter what role he is given during the 2023-24 season, so he should be able to adjust quickly and excel.
Christie has gained ease and assurance
Christie shared his emotions about entering a pivotal second season in the NBA. And preliminary findings corroborate his claims of enhanced ease and assurance.
“Yeah, I feel a lot more at ease now. My demeanor and outlook on life reveal this to me immediately. Having lived another year, I feel like I have a clearer perspective on things than I had the year before. And I believe my offensive and defensive aggression during games is indicative of that. Therefore, I have a lot more assurance and ease as I enter this new year.