3. Max Christie
It could happen before the trade deadline this season or it could happen in the summer. Either way, the Los Angeles Lakers do not have many young players to trade, making Max Christie‘s eventual future almost an inevitability.
Christie has shined in the small chances he has gotten this season and he has played even better in the G League. Even though he was just taken in the second round by the Lakers he is not safe, especially considering how short second-round pick contracts are.
This team has traded players that it just drafted in the past. Los Angeles seemingly had a promising sharpshooter in Svi Mykhailiuk and flipped him at the deadline for Reggie Bullock. Moritz Wagner had potential and was traded after his rookie season.
Whether it be part of something bigger or something small to bring back a decent role player, Los Angeles has not exercised patience when it comes to players like Christie, which questions the entire selection in the first place.
Instead of taking a raw, 19-year-old prospect that will take years to develop, the Lakers could have gotten much more out of an older prospect with a lower ceiling that could have more of an immediate impact.
Lakers reportedly saving picks for something that won’t be possible
The Los Angeles Lakers have two valuable picks to trade and might end up saving those assets for something that won't ever happen.
Regardless of whether or not you think it is smart, it seems unlikely that Christie will be on the team in 2024.