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Grading the Los Angeles Lakers selection of Max Christie

By Jonny Camer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum and Max Christie react after Christie was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum and Max Christie react after Christie was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a wild offseason. This offseason has already gotten off to a hot start, with rumors circulating left and right about the team trading and signing various players, including all-star guard Kyrie Irving.

The team started this wild offseason by trading a future second-round pick and cash to the Orlando Magic for the 35th overall pick. Nobody had any idea whom the team would take with this pick, but the Lake Show got their guy in Max Christie.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1540174124969885696

Grading the Los Angeles Lakers’ selection of Max Christie:

The long wait is over for Lakers fans. The team has selected the former five-star recruit, Max Christie. Fans might be disappointed as more prominent name players, such as E.J. Lidell and Jaden Hardy, were on the board, but the team got a solid player. Christie is a 19-year-old with incredible length and size. Standing in at 6’6″ and a wingspan of 6’8″, Christie uses this frame to score the ball from multiple places on the court.

The best part of his game has to be his mid-range shot. Scouts have compared his mid-range game to the likes of Pelicans guard C.J. McCollum. Christie isn’t the greatest defender right now, but his defense seems to have a lot of untapped potential.

With his wingspan and energy, Christie could be a solid defender in the near future. Keep in mind he only played one season at Michigan State before declaring for the draft.

His freshman year was somewhat of a disappointment averaging only 9.3 PPG on 38% shooting from the field. However, these numbers don’t reflect Christie as a shooter, as you’ll hear from many others that this kid can score the rock. He flashed signs of being a lethal scorer in this league, especially on January 5th when he dropped 21 points against Nebraska.

Now to grade the pick. Christie was seen as a late-round first or early-round second selection. So the Lakers may have reached or may not have, depending on whom you asked. In my opinion, 35 is a fine spot for Christie.

However, the fit is a bit worrisome. Christie is seen as a bit of a project for a team ready to win now. His game still has many holes, including shooting inconsistencies, turnovers, and strength. Christie has tons of potential to be a great player in this league, but will Los Angeles have the patience for his development?

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With all this being said, I give the pick a B-. You got a player with tons of potential, but it would’ve been nice to get a player that’s a little more ready for NBA basketball. One thing is for sure Lakers fans should be excited to see what the former Spartan can do this season. With the right coaching, this kid could be a stud and a future piece for this team.

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