The Los Angeles Lakers are not short on guard depth as they head into the upcoming NBA season. Two players standing out in this regard are Gabe Vincent, a former $33 million free agent acquisition, and young sharpshooter Max Christie, who is expected to make significant strides this year.

Max Christie’s Journey and Expectations for the Upcoming Season

Max Christie, who has been with the Lakers for the past two seasons, played 67 games last year, starting in seven of them at just 20 years old. He averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field. Although his three-point shooting dipped to 37.8% from his rookie season, Christie has showcased his potential as a reliable perimeter threat.

This offseason, Christie signed a four-year, $32 million contract, a clear indication of the Lakers’ confidence in his development. New head coach JJ Redick has praised Christie, hinting that he will play a pivotal role in the team’s plans for the season ahead.

A Humble Approach Despite a New Contract

Despite landing a lucrative contract extension, Christie remains humble and recognizes that he has much to prove in the NBA.

“I think what a lot of people do sometimes when you get that achievement, you get that contract, everybody kind of starts to slow down,” he said. “You think you made it. For me, personally, I don’t think I’ve proved a lot in this league as a player. I’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes and I think I’ve controlled everything that I can, and I think that’s helped me stay with this team and, thankfully, earn the trust of everybody upstairs in this organization.”

Christie is aware that he has yet to play a full season, expressing eagerness to leave his mark: “I’ve never really played a full season yet. Hopefully, this season is that season for me and I’m looking forward to making my mark. I’ve been working for this for the past two years. Even though I haven’t played as much, it’s kind of prepared me for this, and I feel super ready for it.”

Christie’s Potential and Role with the Lakers

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 190 pounds, Christie could benefit from adding more physicality to his game, but his shooting ability positions him as a valuable asset for the Lakers. While he may not secure a starting role, Christie is expected to be a vital contributor off the bench, bolstering the team’s depth and playing a significant role in their playoff aspirations.

Depth: The Key to Playoff Success

In the playoffs, depth is often a deciding factor, and Christie has the opportunity to rise to the occasion. He has the potential to become one of the Lakers’ most important scorers in a rotational capacity, providing much-needed support behind the team’s star players.

As the Lakers aim for a deeper playoff push, Christie’s growth and development will be a storyline to watch. His contributions could prove crucial to the team’s overall success in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA.