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When the Los Angeles Lakers invested an early second-round draft pick in former Michigan State Spartans shooting guard Max Christie, many assumed that his development would be a high priority. After two seasons riding the pine, however, Christie appeared to be left on the outside looking in.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles moved to correct past mistakes this summer by re-signing Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract that all but declared his status as a franchise building block.<\/p>\n
After thriving as a freshman with Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans in 2021-22, Christie declared for the NBA Draft. Although he was selected by the Lakers early in Round 2, he struggled to find playing time under previous head coach Darvin Ham.<\/p>\n
In a recent interview with\u00a0Seth Davis of CBS Sports (h\/t Bleacher Report), Izzo offered a ringing endorsement of Christie as a person and player.<\/p>\n
“He’s an unbelievable kid. He’s coachable as the day is long. Smart. I think his best basketball is ahead of him. I think he’s going to have a great pro career because he’ll guard you. And he’s really a good shooter. He didn’t shoot as well his first year [at Michigan State], because that happens. But he’s not afraid to guard you, either, so I think he’s a two-way player and I think those kind of guys are valuable in the league.”<\/p>\n
That’s an incredible quote from Izzo, who has mountains of experience and perspective to inform his opinion of what makes a successful player.<\/p>\n
For as talented as Christie is, Izzo’s comments are far more intriguing than a simple acknowledgment of what he’s capable of on the court. The Michigan State legend spoke to Christie’s willingness to take coaching and not only accept, but work on his flaws.<\/p>\n
It’s the ultimate characteristic of a young player who has upside to explore, as Christie appears to be the type of individual who’s willing to endure the hardships of introspection.<\/p>\n
The Lakers clearly took note of this when they handed Christie a four-year contract despite the limited playing time he’d previously received. His poise in the face of adversity certainly bodes well for the market he’s playing in.<\/p>\n
In addition to being teammates with two of the top 10 players in the NBA in Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Christie is preparing to make his name in a city that accepts nothing less than a title as a measure of success.<\/p>\n