The NBA Summer League is the opportunity for players to prove themselves and earn a coveted spot on an NBA roster. Each player has a unique story to making a Summer League roster wether they have just been drafted, have had a few years of experience playing in the NBA’s G-League, the NBA or played overseas after going undrafted.
One such player with high aspirations is Lakers’ guard Max Christie. After a full NBA season under his belt playing for the Lakers, Christie’s goal to play his way into the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation for the upcoming season became more realistic.
“The goal is just to be in the rotation and impact winning however I can,” Christie said. “Whatever the organization needs me to do, I’m willing to do it. That’s just my main goal is just to play.”
The second year player out of Michigan State University was named to the NBA2K24 All-Summer League Second Team after averaging 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game in his appearance over three games.
Related Stories
Bronny James Suffers Cardiac Arrest at USC
Sparks Make Playoff Push After All-Star Break
His mid-range game proved to be a potent weapon, and he demonstrated his scoring prowess each time he took the court. The standout moment for Christie as well as for most Lakers’ fans was his massive dunk against the Golden State Warriors.
“Right now, I think I’m shooting the ball really well both inside the arc and outside the arc,” Christie remarked. “I think free throw shooting and my defense has been really great as well.”
During his rookie season with the Lakers, Christie was featured in 41 games It was a juxtoposition from many of the players on the Summer League rosters, who got their first introduction to the league.
“I think having a year at this level now, I’ve definitely adjusted,” said Christie.
Christie had a full season under his belt leading up to this summer. He averaged 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes for the Lakers last season. He also mentioned how Lakers’ star LeBron James, who announced at the ESPYs that he would be returning for his 21st season, had a big impact on his approach to the NBA both on and off the court.
Max Christie reacts to @KingJames announcing he will be returning for his 21st season and the best advice he’s given him #Lakeshow #Lakers pic.twitter.com/bMDxBzpmoZ
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) July 13, 2023
“He’s taught me to be proactive, not reactive in all facets of life whether it’s recovery, family life, off the court,” he told the L.A. Sentinel.
From Christie’s scoring ability, shooting efficiency, and composure that he displayed throughout Summer League, he has undoubtedly caught the attention of the Lakers’ coaching staff and fans alike.
“It’s been beautiful to watch. And one of our young kids, we’re really, really excited about,,” Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham said of Christie. “I told him he needs to step up and show his leadership abilities, and he’s done that along with Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis, Colin Castleton, D’Moi Hodge—we got Cole Swider. We have some really good players under our umbrella that people are getting a chance to see, and they’re playing the right way.”
The Lakers’ coaching staff will closely monitor Christie’s development, and if he can maintain his current form, he could very well find himself with a role in the Lakers’ lineup for the upcoming season.
