Lakers Lock in $32 Million Contract for Young Star Max Christie, Keeping Him in the Fold for the Future

Max Christie has signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Lakers to prevent him from becoming a free agent. The 21-year-old averaged 4.2 points per game last season, but his playing time was reduced after the team signed Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency and Gabe Vincent returned from injury.

The Lakers have high hopes for Christie to make a significant impact on both ends of the court as he enters his third season after being selected 35th in the 2022 NBA draft. Despite concerns about his role on the team last season, Christie is seen 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. While they may be looking to be aggressive in making changes, they are also focused on developing young players like Christie as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.