Lakers make decision on evaluation of restricted free agent Max Christie

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a decision for the future by hiring head coach JJ Redick. In the same breath that Redick was hired, general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear that he believes Los Angeles has a young core worth building around.

One of the names Pelinka and Redick identified as a member of that young core will now officially be signed by the Lakers to restricted free agent status.

During Redick’s introductory press conference, Pelinka named four players as the Lakers’ young core. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves were at the top of the list, while young players Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie surprisingly joined them despite former head coach Darvin Ham overlooking them in his rotation.

According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Lakers have put their money where their mouth is by extending Christie a qualifying offer, confirming his status as a restricted free agent.

Because of this financial commitment, the Lakers reserve the right to undercut any offer Christie receives as a free agent.

Christie, 21, was selected 35th overall by the Lakers in the 2022 NBA Draft. Prior to that selection, he was hailed as a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American at the high school level and earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors with the Michigan State Spartans.

At the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, he was 6’6″ tall in shoes, had a wingspan of nearly 6’1″, ran the fastest three-quarter sprint, and was at the top of his class in all strength and agility exercises.

Christie struggled to find playing time in the NBA, averaging just 12.5 minutes per game as a rookie and 14.1 minutes per game in 2023-24. On the court, his 3-and-D potential was evident, as he made 37.8 percent of his three-point shots.

Considering the Lakers ranked 24th in three-point shots made in the 2023-24 season, Christie’s increased playing time could mean he directly addresses a significant weakness.

It’s still possible that Christie will receive an offer that the Lakers aren’t willing to match, but the fact that the qualifying offer came at a time when funds are already limited shows how highly he is valued in Los Angeles.

If the Lakers are able to re-sign Christie this summer, it stands to reason that Redick will play a bigger role for him than Ham in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.