Lakers guard Max Christie already proving he can occupy essential role

The 2024 NBA offseason was one of the most unusual experiences in Los Angeles Lakers history. Los Angeles opted to forego its traditional approach of signing or trading for a big name, and instead focused on a youth movement that could guide the franchise into an era of sustainable excellence.

The most lucrative investment in that regard was the four-year, $32 million deal handed to Max Christie—a powerful statement about how different the future projects to be.

Christie appeared in 108 games over the course of his first two seasons with the Lakers, starting 10. He averaged just 13.5 minutes during that time, however, maxing out at 14.1 during the 2023-24 regular season.

It's equally as disappointing to consider how much he would've benefited from more playing time as it is compelling to consider what it signifies that Los Angeles still offered him a four-year contract.

The decision to sign Christie for four seasons despite the limited film on him showed how big the divide was between previous head coach Darvin Ham and general manager Rob Pelinka. It was also a shining example of how JJ Redick plans to alter the player development philosophy in Los Angeles.

In his 2024 preseason debut with the Lakers, Christie showed just how far he's come in the short amount of time he's spent with Redick—and how wrong Los Angeles was to deprive him of minutes.

Max Christie looks like the glue guy the Lakers have been missing

Christie started in place of LeBron James, who rested during the Lakers' 2024 preseason opener. He played a team-high 34 minutes, seven more than any other Los Angeles player, and displayed the characteristics of the proverbial glue guy.

Christie contributed in every phase of the game for Los Angeles, simply making the right play as it was needed.

There were times when Christie would spot up and, make or miss, help space the floor from beyond the arc. There were examples of him also knowing when to make the extra pass or simply reset the offense when the situation called for it.

Christie also showcased the ability to play outside of the typical confines of the system, attacking off the bounce and producing a righty floater and a lefty high-angle layup against tight defense.

Christie was even more impressive on the other end of the floor. He made plays on the ball, including a great block in transition and a vicious swat on a lefty finish on the drive. He also fought through contact whenever screens or physical attacks of the basket came his way.

Christie's most impressive play of the game was a situation in which he was posted up by 6'10" Luka Garza, but perfectly anticipated the entry pass and came away with a steal.

No matter when or where he was needed, Christie made plays—within and outside of the system. He corner-crashed the offensive glass, positioned himself to be within the eye-line of the playmakers, and attacked with the ball in his hands.

The obvious retort will be that it's only the preseason, but if Christie proved anything in the early stages of it, it's that he's willing to do whatever it is that the team needs of him.

With a versatile skill set, and a stronger frame than he entered the season with in 2023-24, and the trust of his coaching staff, Christie could be the glue guy the Lakers have been missing in 2024-25.