Lakers News: Young Wing Earning Teammates’ Respect In Training Camp
As the Lakers start their journey to get back to the Western Conference Finals this season, they know things won’t be easy. Not only do they want to get back, but this time, they want to finish the job.
The entire team feels like they have unfinished business to attend to after getting swept out of the postseason last year. But now they have a deeper team that is filled with guys determined to find more success.
One of the players that could make an impact this year is second-year guard Max Christie. Christie didn’t play too much with LA last season, but he looks to be getting a rotation spot this year.
He showed much improvement during the NBA Summer League, and he could end up being very valuable at different points. His ability to knock down three-point shots at a high rate and his defensive abilities make him a prime candidate for this particular roster.
Early in training camp, it seems that the young player has been turning some heads, and has been impressing his more veteran teammates. This bodes well for him down the line, and that trust will start to be built between them all. Even newcomer Jaxson Hates chimed in on the young player.
“Max Christie is a dog!” Hayes said. “His game has stood out a lot to me. I watched him in Summer League. Obviously, Summer League is one thing playing against younger guys. He’s come out here and just kept the same energy and the same mentality, so he’s been killing it. So, his game surprised me a lot. I already knew he was a good player, but he can really go.”
Christie looks to be taking a big jump compared to his rookie year. At times last season, he looked timid, and scared to make a mistake. But now he understands what it takes to play in the NBA, and he wants to make the most of this opportunity given to him.
Head coach Darvin Ham gave his thoughts on Christie, and what he has been impressed with.
“He’s already competitive,” Ham said. “He has to have a defensive focus and just the right way offensively, which he does. And really turn up the aggression. He’s one of our most athletic players. He’s done a phenomenal job of working on his body this summer, too."
If Christie can keep this up, he will turn himself into a consistent minutes guy for this team. Of course, he will need to prove himself when the games start, but it's been so far, so good for the young player.
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