[Saba Sports News] The Lakers have been assembling for practice, and shooting guard Max Christie has been playing to the satisfaction of coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka. Redick believes Christie will play an important role in the team’s regular rotation. The Lakers gave Christie a four-year, $32 million contract this summer with the hope that he would provide more support to LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the upcoming season.
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Despite averaging 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.3 steals per game last season while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from 3-point range and 78.3 percent from free throw range, the Lakers were willing to give him such a lucrative contract, especially in shooting and defense. This is especially puzzling given the Lakers’ high salary pressure, which has even required James to take a pay cut.
Christy did put in a lot of hard work in training this summer, though. Pelinka believes he will make significant progress in the new season. “I think Max Christie is the epitomizer of a 3D wing player who can defend and catch the ball with full-court pressure — another thing that Redick emphasizes in his system — he can hit the corner three-pointer quickly, and he’s big and athletic,” he said. So I think he’s going to be a player that’s going to help us win extra possession by hitting the boards. The way he plays and the way he grew up is very consistent with Redick’s philosophy.”