Lakers Summer League Coach Reveals Biggest Areas of Improvement for Max Christie

Will Christie crack the rotation this season?

As the NBA summer league started for the Lakers, there were a few things that everyone wanted to watch for. Obviously, fans wanted to see how the teams’ draft picks looked but also how second year player Max Christie looked. It was rumored that he worked on his game as last year went on and even into the summer, he was improving. But it was time to see it within a game.

Normally second year players use summer league as a tune up session. They have some experience in the league already and go out there to show that they do belong in the NBA. For Christie, his growth is apparent in just two games already. He looks like he is now in the “too good for summer league” category and that’s a great thing for LA.

“It’s always good to see a player in their second summer league, just their disposition on both ends of the floor,” Lakers summer league head coach JD DuBois said. “I’m continuing to challenge him to defend and rebound. And then the offense will continue to take its steps as well.”

Per The Athletic

You can see the growth through two games for Christie. His three-point shot looks much better and he is being aggressive on offense, something the team wanted him to do more of last season. He is 5-8 from three this summer but it's the little things for him. This time last year, his jump shot looked flat but you could see the promise. 

Christie also has improved his ball handling skills. Getting to the rim isn't an issue anymore as he uses different ways to shake his defender or get them off balance before driving to the painted area. 

After the team's opening loss to the Miami Heat, Christie spoke on his progression.

“I felt really comfortable out there,” Christie said. “I felt more assertive. … It felt good to be out there. I had a fun time even though it was a loss. But I enjoyed myself out there. I felt really confident. Just looking to keep that going.”

Per The Athletic

If Christie continues to show this kind of production, he will likely make the Lakers rotation this season. Many had hoped that would be the case but he looks to have grown his game enough to be given a larger role. 

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