In the Lakers’ preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, two players emerged as the clear heroes of the night—Max Christie and rookie Dalton Knecht. While the game ultimately ended in a loss for the Purple and Gold, it was a coming-out party for both young players, particularly Christie, who delivered a solid performance that earned him praise from fans and analysts alike. But instead of focusing solely on the external commentary, let’s hear from the man himself.
After a summer of intense preparation, the 21-year-old Christie is feeling more comfortable and confident on the court. “I have been working a lot this summer. Just as you gain more experience in this, you feel a lot more comfortable. And having two years in this, I feel super comfortable to be able to kinda be out there, navigating my own way, trying to lead teammates,” Christie shared when asked how his offseason work has prepared him for the season ahead.
That hard work was on full display in his first game of the season. Reflecting on how it translated to his performance, Christie said, “Tonight was a good combination of that. It was good to see the first game of the season, kinda see things go my way. I thought I was pretty active on both sides of the ball, hit a three early, so I thought overall it was a good game for me. So, it’s good for my confidence going forward.”
And indeed, Christie’s confidence showed early. Fulfilling new head coach JJ Redick’s directive to emphasize shooting more threes, Christie drained his first attempt from beyond the arc, setting the tone for his solid all-around game. The Michigan State product not only impressed offensively, scoring off strong drives to the basket, but also showcased his defensive prowess. In his 33 minutes on the court, Christie tallied 11 points, 7 rebounds, and shot 5-of-9 from the field—an efficient and energetic performance that had Lakers fans buzzing.
Christie’s growth over the summer has been a topic of conversation, and it seems his hard work is starting to pay off. As a 3-and-D wing, Christie’s skillset fits seamlessly next to superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, last season under head coach Darvin Ham, he saw limited playing time, which often led to speculation about whether he’d have a larger role in the future. With the arrival of Redick, a former sharpshooter with a clear vision for Christie’s potential, the young guard is set for an increased role. Redick has already made it clear that Christie’s responsibility and workload will expand significantly this season.
LeBron James himself echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence in Christie’s growing role within the team. “I think Max will be a big part of our rotation. He’s getting better and better. I’m happy we were able to bring him back in the summer. I look forward to a bright future from him,” the 4x NBA champion said after the Lakers’ first practice. It’s clear that James sees something special in Christie, and his performance against the Timberwolves only reinforced those expectations.
Despite not logging significant minutes in his first two years, Christie has used that time wisely. Surrounded by veterans like LeBron and Davis, he has absorbed valuable lessons and honed his game, preparing himself for the moment when his number would be called. Now, with an expanded role under Redick, he’s ready to showcase what he’s learned.
While the Lakers dropped the game against Minnesota, the promising performances of Christie and Knecht provided a silver lining. Knecht, in his professional debut, immediately became a fan favorite with his fearless play and impressive shooting. For Christie, it was about taking the next step—proving that his summer of hard work has paid off and that he’s ready to make a significant impact for the Lakers this season.
Max Christie’s journey is still in its early stages, but the signs are there. With increased confidence, a solid performance in his first game, and the backing of both his coach and teammates, the future looks bright for the young guard. As the Lakers move deeper into the preseason and inch closer to the regular season, Christie’s role will only grow, and his development will be a key storyline to watch.
After spending time in the shadows, Max Christie is ready for the spotlight, and if his first game is any indication, he’s more than capable of handling it.
