Ranking Lakers free agents by likelihood to return next season

2. Max Christie, RFA

Max Christie was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 35 overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. Still just 21 years of age, there are many who are of the belief that Christie, a former five-star recruit and Michigan State Spartans star, could be of long-term value to the Lakers.

As a restricted free agent with a minimal cap hit, it would be shocking to see Christie leave Los Angeles unless he receives a truly shocking contract offer from another franchise.

Retaining the right of first refusal for Christie would carry a cap hit of just $2,321,816. Considering how limited the Lakers' resources are going to be this coming offseason, renouncing those rights would be a decision that would be difficult to understand.

Christie has expressed discontent over not playing in the playoffs, but that shouldn't deter the Lakers from exploring a bigger role for him in 2024-25.

Christie has already established himself as one of the better shooters on a team that needs help from distance. He's knocked down 37.8 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc through two seasons, and has converted a commendable 80.6 percent of his free throws.

With the right to match any contract offer he receives, it's hard to imagine the Lakers allowing Christie to walk in free agency when there's still upside to explore.