Max Christie's NBA Potential Is He a Future Star

Max Christie’s NBA Potential: Is He a Future Star? Max Christie, a promising young talent for the Los Angeles Lakers, has caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike for his potential. With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill set, many are wondering if Christie can develop into a future star. As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, the question remains: Is Max Christie the next breakout player for the Lakers, and can he become a future star in the NBA? A Look at Christie’s Background Max Christie was selected by the Lakers with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Before entering the NBA, Christie played one season at Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo, where he showcased his all-around game. Standing at 6’6” with a 7’0” wingspan, Christie has the ideal physical tools for an NBA shooting guard or small forward. His ability to defend multiple positions, paired with his smooth offensive game, immediately made him an intriguing prospect. At Michigan State, Christie averaged 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He displayed excellent potential as a two-way player, showing flashes of the scoring ability and defensive prowess needed to thrive in the NBA. While his shooting efficiency and overall consistency were areas for improvement, his tools were undeniable, and the Lakers saw potential in him as a key piece for the future. Strong Defensive Fundamentals One of Christie’s standout traits is his defensive potential. With his length and lateral quickness, he has the ability to guard both shooting guards and small forwards, making him a versatile defensive asset. During his time in college, Christie was lauded for his on-ball defense, where he showed the ability to disrupt passing lanes and pressure ball handlers effectively. In the NBA, defense is often the key for young players to earn minutes on the floor, and Christie’s defensive aptitude gives him a strong foundation to contribute immediately. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and contest shots allows the Lakers to use him as a reliable defender in a variety of matchups. As the Lakers continue to build around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Christie’s defensive potential could be critical for the team’s success, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios. Offensive Growth and Versatility While Christie’s defense has garnered the most attention early in his career, his offensive game is where many see the potential for him to blossom into a future star. Christie has the size and athleticism to attack the basket, but his offensive game is still developing, particularly his shooting consistency. In college, Christie showed flashes of becoming a solid three-point shooter, but he had room to improve his efficiency and shot selection. His perimeter shooting will be a key factor in determining his future success, as today’s NBA rewards wings who can space the floor and shoot from beyond the arc. In the 2023-2024 season, Christie had his moments where he displayed the ability to knock down shots from deep. While his three-point shooting percentage was modest, his shot selection improved as the season progressed, and his confidence in his ability to score increased. If Christie can develop into a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, his scoring potential will increase exponentially, and he could become a consistent offensive weapon for the Lakers. Moreover, Christie has shown the ability to drive to the rim, using his athleticism to finish around the basket or draw fouls. His ability to attack closeouts and finish in transition adds another dimension to his game. While he may not yet be a primary scorer, his offensive versatility gives him the tools to become an effective secondary scorer alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other offensive weapons on the Lakers roster.