The Los Angeles Lakers need more from the second unit than what they're currently receiving. Entering the Nov. 6 encounter with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles' bench ranked No. 29 in offensive rating and No. 30 in points per game.
Thankfully, one of the most important players on the roster is finally providing value that could elevate the entire second unit: Max Christie.
Christie re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $32 million contract during the 2024 offseason. The hope in Los Angeles was that he'd take the step forward that limited playing time under former head coach Darvin Ham prevented him from taking in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Most agreed that patience would still be necessary with a 21-year-old who hasn't yet received steady playing time in the NBA, but the expectation of reliable quality remained nonetheless.
Unfortunately, the 2024-25 season hasn't been kind to Christie. He's struggled to score with any semblance of efficiency, and the expected increase in his playing time has inevitably been minimal—jumping from 14.1 in 2023-24 to 16.0 in 2024-25.
Thankfully, a new trend has emerged that should have Lakers fans thrilled by how Christie is responding to the consistent theme of adversity.
Max Christie is turning things around for the Lakers
Christie entered November with an average of 3.6 points on .278/.250/.833 shooting. He played just four minutes on Nov. 4 against the Detroit Pistons, but his other two showings this month have revealed how much more he's capable of than what he's thus far shown.
That started on Nov. 1 when Christie tallied seven points, five rebounds, and an assist in 13 minutes against the Toronto Raptors.
It was an encouraging sign that Christie could still provide the value that the Lakers hoped to receive from him. He stoked those flames the last time out by posting eight points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a three-point field goal made against the Memphis Grizzlies.
These performances may not set the world ablaze, but they're clear signs of progress from a player who will be essential to the second unit's needed improvement.
With Christie crashing the boards and putting himself in a position to provide quality production off the bench, the second unit can escape the realm of despair. It still needs players who can create their own offense, but it's better to have off-ball options than none at all.
Christie's greatest attribute on defense is his combination of energy and athleticism, and there's room for those same strengths to be utilized on offense.
It's hard to put too much stock into any positive or negative displays in November, but Christie will be essential to team success. His ability to provide two-way value off the bench will go hand-in-hand with the second unit offering adequate relief to the starters—a goal that has thus far been unrealized.
It's far too soon to make a definitive statement about how Christie's season will play out, but the positive trends are undeniably intriguing.
