Max Christie Embraces New Role Under Coach JJ Redick

LA Lakers shooting guard Max Christie, after a big pay raise in free agency, shared his expectations for his third NBA season. He discussed his goals and what he hopes to achieve on the court. He also discussed how new coach JJ Redick plans to use him in the team’s new offense.

Max Christie, the No. 35 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, had a difficult time getting regular playing time. This was true in his first seasons. Despite this, he showed sufficient ability as a two-way player. This led the Lakers to offer him a four-year, $32 million contract this summer.He is likewise consider one of the key young gamers for the group’s future.

Since JJ Redick was hire in June, he has been excited to revamp LA’s offense. With veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince leaving in free agency, Christie is expected to get more opportunities next season.

On Monday’s episode of “Buha’s Block,” Max Christie told Jovan Buha from The Athletic that he and Coach Redick discussed his new role. Christie said he will play important 3-and-D minutes to help reduce the pressure on the Lakers’ veteran players.

Max Christie said, “I think Coach Redick and I are on the same page about how he wants to use me in the offense and rotation.”

Max Christie said, “Everyone knows we have a lot of guys who can score, like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. We have plenty of players who can handle the ball and put it in the basket.”

Max Christie added, “For me, and I think Coach Redick agrees, my role will be to take some pressure off our main players.” He plans to use his shooting to space the floor.

Max Christie said LA’s offense will be more “free-flowing” under Redick, with more “cuts and pin-downs.”

The Lakers aim to recover from their 4-1 loss to the Denver Nuggets. This loss occurred in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Besides keeping Christie and LeBron James and drafting rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, they haven’t made any other moves. They haven’t made any other offseason changes.

So, unless there are more changes, the Lakers will likely depend on player development. They will also rely on Redick’s new coaching style for improvement.

On Monday’s “Buha’s Block,” Max Christie talked about working out with JJ Redick in Las Vegas this summer. Even though he didn’t join the Lakers’ Summer League team, Christie took part in drills with his new coach.

Max Christie said, “In Vegas, we both got a feel for it. I was working out a lot. Coach Redick was always there, running the drills and setting me up for what he wants me to do during the season.