Explosive Start! Lakers Preseason Debut Reveals Two Surprises, Was the $32M Contract Worth It?

The Los Angeles Lakers' preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves resulted in a 124-107 loss, but that was far from the main storyline. Fans were eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated "father-son" duo of LeBron James and Bronny James, but the Lakers had already confirmed that LeBron and Anthony Davis would sit this game out. This left Bronny to make his own preseason debut, which, unfortunately, did not go as hoped.

Playing 16 minutes off the bench, Bronny struggled to find his rhythm. He finished the game with just 2 points on 1-for-6 shooting from the field, including 0-for-1 from three-point range, along with 1 rebound, 1 assist, and an impressive 3 blocks. While his defense was eye-catching — leading the team with three blocks, tying the entire Timberwolves squad in that stat — his offensive performance was disappointing. Bronny missed his first five shots and did not score until the final minute of the fourth quarter, where he managed to convert a layup for his first points of the preseason.

Despite the frustration of missing out on LeBron and Davis, and with Bronny's rough start, the Lakers' preseason opener offered some encouraging signs, particularly from two young players who impressed: Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie.

Jalen Hood-Schifino Impresses as a First-Round Pick

Selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jalen Hood-Schifino, one of the Lakers’ most promising rookies, had a stellar debut. He played 25 minutes off the bench, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, and also contributed 3 rebounds and 2 assists. His 16 points tied him with Austin Reaves for the team-high.

Hood-Schifino’s biggest strength coming into the draft was his maturity and readiness to contribute immediately. In this game, he showed that he has the poise and basketball IQ to make an impact from the start. His movement off the ball, ability to attack the rim, and read the defense put him on a different level compared to some of the other rookies, including Bronny. Hood-Schifino’s physical presence was also more impressive than many expected. He delivered a strong block on Nickeil Alexander-Walker and threw down two powerful dunks. His ability to guard bigger players was also on display as he held his own against Naz Reid on a few defensive possessions.

His three-point shooting, which was 2-for-7 in this game, didn’t quite live up to his Summer League stats, where he averaged three made threes per game on 39.1% shooting. That said, this minor slump isn’t concerning, as the Lakers are likely confident in his ability to be a consistent threat from deep once the regular season begins.

The biggest blemish on Hood-Schifino’s performance was his 5 turnovers, which he will need to clean up as the preseason progresses. Nonetheless, his overall play on both ends of the floor suggests that he is ready to be a part of the Lakers' regular-season rotation. Given his immediate impact, Hood-Schifino is likely to be a key player off the bench this season, possibly earning significant minutes in the Lakers’ backcourt rotation.

Max Christie Silences the Critics

Max Christie, who started this game, played 34 minutes and contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal, while being the only Lakers’ starter with a non-negative plus-minus rating. For Christie, this preseason is an opportunity to prove his value after signing a four-year, $32 million contract during the offseason — a deal that has raised eyebrows among many fans and analysts.

Christie’s contract has been a point of contention, especially after a somewhat underwhelming 2022-23 season, where he averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 14.1 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were decent, with 42.7% from the field and 35.6% from three, but not exactly numbers that justify a long-term, $32 million deal.

However, in this game, Christie showed flashes of the improvement that Lakers' GM Rob Pelinka and new head coach J.J. Redick have been raving about all summer. Christie played with confidence and aggression, attacking the basket on multiple occasions and finishing through contact. His off-ball movement was much sharper, as he frequently cut to the basket at the right moments and capitalized on opportunities. One of the highlights of his night came when he executed a backdoor cut, receiving a pinpoint pass from D'Angelo Russell before finishing with a thunderous poster dunk.

On the defensive side of the ball, Christie was disruptive. He recorded two blocks and a steal, while also effectively contesting shots and disrupting passing lanes. These defensive instincts were already evident last season, but now, combined with his improved offensive decision-making and more confident play, Christie is beginning to look like a well-rounded, two-way player.

If Christie can maintain this level of play throughout the preseason and into the regular season, the $32 million contract may start to look like a smart investment. His blend of size, versatility, and athleticism could make him a key contributor for the Lakers, especially as the team looks to develop its younger talent while remaining competitive in the Western Conference.

Bronny James' Struggles and What It Means

While Bronny James’ debut was not what many had hoped for, it’s important to remember that he is still in the early stages of his development. The preseason is a time for young players to find their footing, and Bronny’s struggles, particularly on the offensive end, should not be a cause for immediate concern. His defensive contributions, including 3 blocks, were impressive and showed shades of his father’s shot-blocking prowess.

However, given the depth of the Lakers' roster and the team’s aspirations for a deep playoff run, it’s unlikely that Bronny will see significant minutes in the regular season. Instead, he may spend much of his rookie year honing his skills in the G-League, where he can get more playing time and work on his offensive game. His future in the NBA is still bright, but the expectations surrounding him as LeBron’s son should be tempered, especially in his first year.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

Despite the loss to the Timberwolves and Bronny's struggles, the Lakers’ preseason debut offered plenty of reasons for optimism. Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie provided glimpses of their potential to be key contributors this season, and their performances suggest that they could play pivotal roles in the Lakers’ rotation.

The Lakers’ focus this season will undoubtedly be on LeBron and his quest for another championship, especially with Bronny waiting in the wings. But with the depth and talent emerging from young players like Hood-Schifino and Christie, the Lakers have a foundation that could carry them further than expected.

As for Christie, if he continues to play like he did in this game, he could finally silence the critics who doubted his contract. He has the potential to be a significant contributor on both ends of the floor, and this preseason is his chance to prove that he can live up to the $32 million investment.

For Hood-Schifino, the goal will be to build on his impressive start and solidify his place in the Lakers’ rotation. His readiness to contribute immediately gives the Lakers a valuable piece in their backcourt, and he could see significant minutes as the season progresses.

Though the spotlight may eventually shift back to LeBron and the possibility of sharing the court with his son, the Lakers’ preseason has already revealed two young players worth watching closely.