The Los Angeles Lakers have found an unexpected boost in their lineup through the efforts of guard Max Christie, whose recent performance has proven to be both reassuring and impactful for the struggling team. After facing some challenges at the start of the season, Christie has found his footing and is taking on greater responsibility, particularly on the defensive end.
Christie, who has started the last six games for the Lakers, has managed to average 9.3 points per game during this stretch, showcasing impressive shooting skills with 50% accuracy from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess, though, is only part of the story. Perhaps even more critically, his contributions on defense have begun to address long-standing issues for the Lakers.
With the team lacking significant perimeter defense, Christie has stepped up to guard opposing teams' leading scorers with tenacity and skill. Earlier this month, for example, he successfully held Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to just six field goals on 21 attempts. A game later, he was instrumental again, forcing Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox to hit only 7 of 17 shots.
Most recently, Christie faced off against Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, limiting him to nine successful shots out of 25 attempts, all thewhile forcing five turnovers during the encounter. This kind of performance has not only bolstered Christie's confidence but also the team’s morale, indicating to fans and coaches alike what he can bring defensively.
With the holiday schedule approaching, the Lakers are preparing for highly anticipated matchups, with Christie likely tasked with guarding the formidable Stephen Curry during the Lakers’ Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors. Upon reflecting on his approach to these significant matchups, Christie emphasized the importance of preparation. “I’ve built a routine since I’ve been in the league for the last two-and-a-half years,” he shared after evaluating his earlier performances this month. “It’s changed a little bit, but for the most part, it’s about recovery and taking care of my body.”
This insight reveals how Christie prioritizes his physical readiness, acknowledging the demanding nature of facing elite talents. His dedication to hydrating, proper nutrition, and ensuring adequate sleep form the foundation of his daily practice and game preparation. “So for me, just staying consistent with my routine of taking care of my body, hydrating, eating properly, and getting enough sleep—all those little things build up,” he noted. “And I think those will hopefully benefit me on Christmas when I guard a top 10 player of all time.”
Considering the Lakers’ broader strategy, Christie's rise aligns with the team's hope for him to evolve as a trusted 3-and-D player—a pivotal role as they aim to fortify their roster around their core of stars. While the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other key contributors carry the bulk of the scoring, the team has identified Christie as someone who can both shoot effectively and guard key players on the opposing side.
If Max Christie continues his current trend, the Lakers can significantly close the gap concerning their complementary players. His emergence as both a scorer and defender could potentially reshape the Lakers' depth, addressing one of their most pressing concerns from recent seasons: the lack of reliable support for their high-profile stars.
For Lakers fans, witnessing Christie's growth has become another chapter to follow this season—one filled with promise as he not only asserts himself offensively but also brings necessary grit defensively. His performances over the past weeks signal hope, reflecting the team’s vision for cultivating talent ready to meet the challenges of top-tier competition.
And as the team approaches the festive fixtures, the anticipation surrounding how Christie will match up against the league's best players—especially on Christmas against Curry—adds another layer of excitement, potentially marking the emergence of what could be the Lakers' next defensive stalwart.
