4 Lakers who could be waived to make room for new signings
By Will Eudy
Max Christie
The 35th overall pick by the Lakers in the 2022 draft, Max Christie has been steadily progressing. He has scored in double figures five times this season, but sometimes his still-developing confidence has an impact on him.
The Lakers drafted him a year and a half ago knowing that he would be a project. Christie has the potential to be an impact player in the NBA, but the process of getting there was always going to be a bit lengthier than say, a lottery pick.
After spending most of the 2022-23 season with the G League South Bay Lakers, Christie has been with the big league club most of this season. He has had his moments of success, but the opportunity is still a bit limited. As of this writing, Max is averaging 17.2 minutes per night, scoring five points per game.
Like some of the other young players on this list, the Lakers could punt on him in favor of a more experienced player, but it would be a bit more of a risk with Christie's situation. He has as much or more upside than any of the young talent on LA's roster, and the Lakers would have to be absolutely certain before waiving him.