With Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves being out with injuries, Max Christie was given a spot on the Lakers starting lineup against the Nuggets.
The 19-year-old rookie responded by scoring career-high 14 points in 26 minutes of play. After the game Lakers head coach Darvin Ham talked about the player.
“Max, he comes from a well coached program with coach Iz in Michigan State,” Ham said about Christie. “Just a solid young kid, beautiful young kid as well. Just him trying to keep it simple play within himself.
“And the biggest thing his length, his athleticism. He gets his hands on defensive rebounds, he’s great at closing out with an early stick hand and at contesting without fouling He can make a three. He can put it on the floor and make a drive-and-kick plays as well. Just being solid. That’s all we need him to be. Just compete and be solid.”
Christie has appeared in 22 games for Los Angeles this season, averaging 3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.6 assist in 13 minutes per game.