The Unexpected Rise of Max Christie: How the $32 Million Man Proved the Doubters Wrong

When the Los Angeles Lakers handed Max Christie a four-year, $32 million contract this past summer, the reaction was overwhelmingly negative. For a player who averaged just 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 14 minutes per game during the 2022-23 season, many questioned the wisdom of such an investment. At just 21 years old, Christie was undoubtedly young and brimming with potential, but his first two seasons in the NBA showed little evidence of him being worth this kind of long-term commitment.

For Lakers fans, this move brought back memories of the Talen Horton-Tucker experiment. The Lakers had signed a then-20-year-old Horton-Tucker to a three-year, $32 million deal in 2021, only to trade him to the Jazz the following year after underwhelming performances. Fans feared history might repeat itself with Christie. And for the first few weeks of the season, it seemed like those fears were well-founded.

A Rough Start

Christie’s early-season performance did little to inspire confidence. In his first 14 games, he averaged just 4.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting a dismal 36% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. His true shooting percentage was a lowly 49.2%, and his impact on the court was negligible.

It wasn’t just the numbers that painted a bleak picture. Christie’s confidence seemed to waver, and his limited playing time—often in fragmented minutes—made it difficult for him to find a rhythm. At one point, he even fell out of the Lakers’ rotation altogether, giving critics further ammunition to claim the front office had made another costly mistake.

The Turnaround

But just as quickly as the doubters piled on, Christie began to turn the tide. Over the past 16 games, he has been a revelation. Averaging 26.3 minutes per game in this stretch, Christie’s numbers have soared to 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. Even more impressively, he’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 47.6% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range, and 88.9% from the free-throw line, giving him a true shooting percentage of 64.7%.

His transformation was on full display during a recent stretch of games. In a victory over the Kings, Christie posted 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including a clutch corner three-pointer in the final minutes and a crucial steal to seal the game. Against the Warriors in the Christmas Day matchup, Christie contributed another 16 points in 34 minutes of action. And even in a loss to the Pistons, Christie shined, scoring 17 points while shooting 60% from the field.

Defensive Growth

Christie’s contributions haven’t been limited to the offensive end. His defensive improvements have been just as notable. Over the past 16 games, opponents shooting within 10 feet of the basket have seen their field goal percentages drop by 5.9% when defended by Christie. When the range is narrowed to six feet, the drop increases to an impressive 9.3%.

This newfound defensive prowess has allowed Christie to take on the role of the Lakers’ primary perimeter defender. His ability to guard multiple positions while spacing the floor on offense has drawn comparisons to the archetype of a modern 3-and-D player.

A Perfect Fit

Christie’s resurgence has also coincided with improved team performance. Since he was inserted into the starting lineup alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers have gone 6-2. When these five share the court, the team boasts a net rating of +14.3, a mark that reflects their potential as a legitimate contender.

What makes Christie such a valuable piece in this lineup is his willingness to embrace a low-usage, high-impact role. As J.J. Redick once noted, the ideal fifth starter is someone who doesn’t need the ball to be effective but can knock down shots and defend at a high level. Christie has become precisely that player.

The $32 Million Question

With his recent performance, Christie has silenced many of the critics who questioned the Lakers’ decision to invest in him. The contract, once seen as a gamble, now looks like it could be a bargain. If Christie continues to develop into a reliable 3-and-D wing, he’ll provide immense value to a Lakers team looking to make another deep playoff run.

However, challenges remain. The Lakers’ recent acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and potential lineup adjustments could impact Christie’s role. Whether he stays in the starting lineup or transitions back to the bench, the key will be maintaining his newfound confidence and consistency.

A Commentary on Christie’s Rise

Max Christie’s journey this season is a testament to the value of patience and opportunity. Early struggles are not uncommon for young players, but Christie’s ability to persevere and adapt is what sets him apart. His growth also highlights the Lakers’ faith in their developmental system, which has helped turn raw prospects into valuable contributors time and again.

For Lakers fans, Christie’s emergence is a reason to be optimistic about the team’s future. And for Christie himself, this is just the beginning. Whether as a starter or a key bench player, he has proven that he belongs in the NBA—and that the Lakers might just have gotten it right this time.