The Los Angeles Lakers have invested heavily in several unlikely candidates. That begins with first-year head coach JJ Redick, continues with former undrafted free agent Austin Reaves, and is capped off by second-round draft pick Max Christie.
While Reaves and Redick have spent the 2024-25 providing reason for optimism, Christie has struggled during his first season on a new four-year, $32 million contract—until recently.
Christie appeared in 14 of the Lakers' first 15 games, averaging just 4.1 points and 0.4 three-point field goals made on .360/.250/.833 shooting. Beyond the individual numbers, the Lakers were considerably better when he wasn't on the court.
Through 15 games, the Lakers were being outscored by 11.0 points per 100 possessions with Christie on the court—and were outscoring opponents by 6.4 without him.
That 17.4-point swing inevitably resulted in inconsistent playing time for a player the Lakers expected more from. Thankfully, Christie learned from that experience and is now on the best run of his NBA career thus far.
With a sustained period of improvement from both individual and team-aiding perspectives, Christie has looked like the wisest bet Redick has waged thus far.
Max Christie is showing Lakers were wise to invest early
Over the past 18 games, Christie has increased his averages to 10.7 points and 1.5 three-point field goals made on .480/.415/.900 shooting. It's been a welcome display of strength in the face of adversity, as Christie has refused to let his early struggles break him.
That's paid off no more than over the past five games, during which Christie is averaging 16.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.8 three-point field goals made.
That began with a stretch during which Christie scored at least 16 points in three consecutive games. He tallied just five points in 28 minutes the next time out, but his recovery from that down performance was one to remember.
Christie erupted to the tune of a career-high 28 points as the Lakers, playing without Anthony Davis and Gabe Vincent, defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-106.
Christie was one of just three Lakers to score in double-figures, let alone attempt at least 10 shots, during the win over Portland. It was a testament to how Christie has earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaching staff to step up with the franchise player sidelined.
It's also a testament to how much more confident he is after previously struggling to know when to pick his spots.
The key to Christie's recent success has been his uncanny ability to be exactly where the team needs him. He's going all-out on defense while finding holes in the opponent's defensive sets, whether that be in transition or a half-court possession.
With the Lakers outscoring opponents by 5.7 points per 100 possessions with Christie on the court over the past 18 games, he seems to have truly found his niche.