Lakers News: Darvin Ham Seems Ready To Incorporate Summer League Standout Into Roster

To whom is coach Ham referring?

Led by second-year shooting guard Max Christie, your Los Angeles Lakers Summer League team has been extremely fun to watch.

Currently undefeated at 2-0, this July vintage of the Lakers have been phenomenal, and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has his eye keen on one player who he feels is ready for a heavier role with the senior squad this upcoming season. 

Ham was interviewed by Marc Stein and Chris Haynes on the "#thisleague UNCUT" Podcast, where Ham gave some praise to some Lakers, including Summer League star Max Christie. 

“It’s been beautiful to watch. And one of our young kids, we’re really, really excited about, Max Christie going into his second year in the league. I told him he needs to step up and show his leadership abilities, and he’s done that along with Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis, Colin Castleton, D’Moi Hodge—we got Cole Swider...We have some really good players under our umbrella that people are getting a chance to see, and they’re playing the right way.”

Darvin Ham - #thisleague UNCUT Podcast 

The Buss bros found another 💎!

Max Christie:
25 pts (7-13 FG, 4-7 3pt)
4 ast
4 rebs #Lakers

https://t.co/poQSNDfKnv

— Osid 🍉 (@osid24) July 6, 2023

Christie has been put under this developmental role that has made him into the leader he is today, and as Ham states, it could lead him to a more sporadic role with the Lakers active roster. 

Through his first two games in Vegas, Christie logged 30.9 minutes thus far while pulling up an average of 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a swiping 3.0 blocks per game, all while shooting 42.9% from the field. 

The shocking improvement of Christie's stat line is his shooting from beyond-the-arc is at an astounding 57.1%. 

If Ham is serious about taking him in for that potential back-up spot behind Austin Reaves, then Christie looks ready to take that next step in his young NBA career.

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