Time to Apologize: Has $8 Million Max Christie Finally Arrived?

In his second game after turning 40, LeBron James once again defied Father Time. Playing 36 minutes, James posted an efficient stat line: 38 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting 15-of-25 from the field, 7-of-10 from three, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. With Anthony Davis sidelined, James carried the Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The fourth quarter showcased James’s unmatched ability to close games. With just two minutes remaining and the Blazers trimming the lead to three points, James delivered a personal 7-0 run, including a layup, a three-pointer, and another layup to seal the win.

This performance marked James’s 562nd career game scoring 30 or more points, tying Michael Jordan for the most in NBA history. Additionally, James became the first player in league history to score 35 points and make at least five three-pointers in a game after turning 40.

While James’s brilliance is almost routine at this point, it was Max Christie who stole the show with a breakout performance that has silenced many of his critics.

Christie’s Career Night

Christie played 32 minutes, tallying a career-high 28 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three-point range and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. He also contributed 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

What makes this performance even more remarkable is the trajectory of his game. Christie started slowly, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-4 shooting in the first quarter. However, he erupted over the final three quarters, shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc for 26 points.

Before this game, Christie’s career high was 17 points, which he had achieved less than two weeks earlier against the Detroit Pistons. That night, Christie shot 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from deep. Since then, he has posted his top three scoring games, with two 16-point outings against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.

A Rapid Ascent

In the past two weeks, Christie has gone from being a young player with potential to a legitimate contributor for the Lakers. His numbers over his last five games speak volumes: he is averaging 16.4 points on shooting splits of 50.9% from the field, 45.2% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage during this stretch is an elite 69.3%.

Looking at a larger sample, Christie’s improvement becomes even more evident. Over his last 18 games, he has transitioned from a bench player to a starting role, averaging 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. His shooting has been highly efficient: 48.0% from the field, 41.5% from three, and a true shooting percentage of 65.3%.

Defensive Contributions

Christie’s impact extends beyond his offensive output. Defensively, he has emerged as a key player for the Lakers, often tasked with guarding opposing teams’ top perimeter threats. Over his last 10 games, Christie has started every contest, and his defensive metrics are impressive. He has held opponents to a 31.6% three-point shooting rate (down from 35.7%) and limited their accuracy inside 10 feet to 50.8% (down from 57.8%).

This two-way play has made Christie an invaluable piece for the Lakers, who initially faced widespread criticism when they signed him to a four-year, $32 million contract last summer.

From Criticism to Praise

When Christie inked his deal, many fans and analysts questioned the Lakers’ decision. At the time, Christie was coming off a season where he averaged just 4 points per game as a bench player. The contract seemed like a gamble on a player whose potential had yet to materialize.

Some critics even joked that Christie’s looks—his resemblance to Kobe Bryant earned him the nickname "Baby Kobe"—were the primary reason for his lucrative deal.

Early in the season, Christie struggled to justify his contract. His performances were inconsistent, and he eventually fell out of the Lakers’ rotation. Comparisons to Talen Horton-Tucker, another young player who failed to meet expectations, became frequent among fans.

However, as the season progressed, Christie began to turn heads. His improved play over the past month has flipped the narrative entirely.

LeBron’s Endorsement

Even LeBron James has taken notice of Christie’s growth. After Christie’s 28-point outburst, James offered high praise:

“Early on, he was in the rotation, then he fell out of it, and then we put him back into the starting lineup. From that point on, he’s taken off. He was ready for the opportunity, and we’re all so happy for him. Tonight, he had a career-high 28 points, but it’s not just his scoring—his defense, his energy, and his overall play have been phenomenal. We’re going to need that all season.”

What Lies Ahead

While it’s still early to draw definitive conclusions, Christie’s trajectory is undeniably promising. If he continues to refine his shooting and maintain his defensive intensity, he has the potential to develop into a reliable 3-and-D player—one of the most coveted archetypes in today’s NBA.

Given the current market for young, versatile 3-and-D players, Christie’s value could far exceed his contract in the coming years. For now, the Lakers’ decision to sign him for $8 million annually is looking like a steal.

Whether Christie eventually becomes an All-Star remains to be seen, but even if he develops into a consistent role player, the Lakers will have secured a key piece for their future. Fans who doubted the signing are now left to eat their words as Christie continues to prove his worth.