The Lakers have signed Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract in an effort to prevent him from becoming a free agent, sources close to the matter have revealed. Christie, 21, averaged 4.2 points last season while playing in and out of the Lakers’ rotation. He was set to become a restricted free agent, but the team secured a deal with him just before the start of the season.
As he enters his third season with the Lakers after being drafted 35th in 2022, Christie has high hopes of making a significant impact on both sides of the court. Despite playing consistently during a 20-game stretch last season, his minutes were reduced once the team signed Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency and Gabe Vincent returned from injury. Unfortunately for Christie, he did not play for the Lakers during the postseason.
Despite concerns about his role on the team last season, Christie is viewed as an important part of the organization’s developmental plan. With 15 players on the roster, including LeBron James who is expected to re-sign with the team after declining his contract option, the Lakers are still looking to make moves to reshape their roster through trades and possibly free agency with additional salary-cap space.
The Lakers may be looking to be aggressive in making changes, but they are also focused on developing young players like Christie as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.