The Los Angeles Lakers have taken the boldest of chances at head coach. Despite his lack of coaching experience beyond the amateur level, the organization hired JJ Redick to tackle the monumental task of leading Los Angeles to its record-tying 18th championship.
Uncertainty has cast a cloud over the Lakers on multiple fronts, but shooting guard Max Christie is making it known that Redick is setting a positive tone.
Christie re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $32 million deal earlier this summer. It was a decision from both parties that turned heads, as the 21-year-old had struggled to secure any semblance of consistent playing time during his two seasons with the team.
In a recent interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Christie spoke about his experience with the Lakers' new coaching staff and what they're attempting to build.
Max Christie discusses his decision to re-sign with the Lakers on a 4-year, $32 million deal, sharing his excitement for the future with the team. pic.twitter.com/LdPkWi7WGK
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 18, 2024
For those who can't watch the video, Christie said the following:
"We're building something great here. We've got two big dogs in LeBron and AD. We've got a fiery new coaching staff that I really like so far. I've been getting along great with them."
It's early in the process, but Christie offering a vote of approval for the coaching staff is an encouraging sign heading into a crucial 2024-25 season.
Max Christie describes Lakers coaching staff as fiery
The 2023-24 season was marked by inconsistency, with it ultimately becoming a tale of roughly two halves. Los Angeles was 24-25 through 49 games, but went 23-10 the rest of the way—a record that equates to a 57-win pace across an 82-game schedule.
From below .500 to playing at a level that would secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers inevitably fell victim to their own erratic play, having to go through the Play-In Tournament to make the playoffs.
In 2024-25, Los Angeles will look to establish consistency—a process that will start at the top. The Lakers seemed to call Ham's work ethic into question this summer with reports that they wanted a grinder of a head coach who would create a culture of accountability.
Christie's comments about the Lakers' new coaching staff seem to confirm Redick's description of his hirings as sickos and grinders.
One of the primary areas in which the need for accountability exists is on the defensive end of the floor. Los Angeles ranked 17th in the NBA in defensive rating last season, but All-Defensive First Team honoree Anthony Davis masked a wide array of flaws.
The Lakers ranked No. 21 in points allowed in the paint, No. 27 in opponent fast break points and second-chance points, and No. 28 in opposition three-point field goals made.
One of the primary reasons for Los Angeles' inconsistency was a lack of discipline along the perimeter. Losing key defenders such as Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent to injuries certainly didn't help, but the players who were healthy failed to live up to a championship standard.
Based on how Christie is describing Redick and his staff, inconsistent effort will be met with a fiery response during the 2024-25 season.