The Los Angeles Lakers had their second-round pick a moment before the NBA 2022 draft kicked off Thursday night.
They will walk away with a steal in Michigan State guard Max Christie.
Christie was selected at the No. 35 overall pick after the Lakers traded a prospective second-round pick to the Orlando Magic. Christie, a five-star prospect for 2021, struggled as a rookie, averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 30.8 minutes each game. He only managed to shoot 31.7 percent from outside the arc and 38.2 percent from the field. He did make 82.4 percent of his free throws; which scouts would tell you is a very good sign for his ability to shoot 3-pointers in the NBA in the future.
The 19-year-old was a potential featured player to East Lansing for what may have been a big sophomore campaign but ended up diving in deeply. He was selected by the Lakers in the second round. Christie has a fantastic feel for the game and is exceptional in his movements. His shooting technique is flawless, and his offensive instincts are top-notch. Although he plays quickly, he sometimes gets ahead of himself. For a man his age, that is not unusual.
Christie joins the Lakers, who are tied with the Boston Celtics with 17 titles for the most NBA championships in league history. They have been the two most famous teams ever based on their performance. Christie will interact with celebrities like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and others in Los Angeles.
Max Christie had his say at the draft:
“It’s amazing. It’s surreal,” Christie told reporters: “LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony — I mean, the list goes on. A bunch of great players on the Lakers team. I think I can learn a lot and get better in that organization.”
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