In the fast-paced world of NBA basketball, sometimes stepping back leads to bigger leaps forward. This is exactly what happened with Max Christie of the Los Angeles Lakers, whose recent journey from benchwarmer to crucial player demonstrates the power of perseverance.
Christie, who signed a hefty four-year, $32 million contract with the Lakers in the offseason, faced early challenges that tested his mental strength. Just eight games into the season, the 21-year-old found himself watching from the sidelines for three straight games. However, what could have been a setback turned into a springboard for growth.
“I think it was good for me, those three games,” Christie reflected after a stellar performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. “It was like hitting the reset button. I took time to look inward and figure out how to improve.”
The young guard’s return to the rotation came during a critical two-game road trip, where he seized his opportunity with both hands. In San Antonio, Christie put up his season-best performance, scoring 11 points in 30 minutes while shooting an efficient 4-7 from the field. His teammates couldn’t stop singing his praises.
But it wasn’t just about scoring. Christie’s defensive prowess shined through, especially when the team needed it most. With Cam Reddish sidelined due to injury, Christie stepped up to fill the defensive void on the perimeter, proving that sometimes the most valuable plays don’t show up in the box score.
Head coach JJ Redick has played a crucial role in Christie’s development. “He’s super enthusiastic,” Christie said of his coach. “His continued belief in me helps build my confidence.” Redick’s faith in Christie paid off in spectacular fashion during the closing moments of the Pelicans game.
With the Lakers clinging to a two-point lead and the clock winding down, Christie made what might be the play of his young career. After LeBron James missed a potential game-sealing three-pointer, Christie crashed the offensive glass with determination, tipping the ball out to secure possession for the Lakers and effectively sealing the win.
Coach Redick immediately praised this crucial play: “How about Max Christie?” Max Christie performed exceptionally well from the corner. He guarded his butt off all night, and even without a big offensive night, he gets that offensive rebound tip-out to seal the win for us.”
Christie’s approach to the game-winning play reveals his growing basketball IQ. “I knew the situation,” he explained. “If I could get the tip-out on a miss, we’d have the ball with no shot clock left, forcing them to foul. It was about making a winning play for the team.”
At 6’6″, Christie isn’t the biggest player on the court, but his willingness to do the little things—the hustle plays, the defensive stops, the crucial rebounds—has earned him increasing trust from the coaching staff. His journey from being out of the rotation to making game-winning plays shows that sometimes the best growth happens outside of the spotlight.
As the Lakers continue their season, Christie’s role may continue to evolve, especially once the team returns to full health. But one thing is clear: this young player has shown he can handle whatever challenges come his way, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.