KEY POINTS

  • Max Christie is the Los Angeles Lakers’ lone pick in the 2022 NBA Draft
  • The 6-foot-6 guard is expected to earn $1 million in his first season
  • His ability to space the floor makes him a valuable addition to the Lakers

Badly needing some fresh legs to beef up their aging roster, the Los Angeles Lakers did not waste time locking up their lone acquisition in the recently-concluded NBA Rookie Draft.

The Lakers have reportedly locked up Max Christie to a two-year minimum contract.

Playing out of the Michigan State, the 6-foot-6 guard is expected to receive $1 million in his first season with the Lakers per a report by Spotrac.

The 35th overall pick, along with Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider, look to make an instant impact with the Lakers roster that features the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Swider and Pippen Jr. are currently signed to two-way contracts.

Though pundits believed that Christie needs more time to develop, his signing with the Lakers was something expected.

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches with LeBron James #6
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches with LeBron James #6 Getty Images | Harry How

According to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Christie was a consensus pick not just by the team’s scouts but also by the front office.

“It's rare that all parties are in agreement on who the pick should be,” Pelinka said in a report by The Athletic.

Christie suited up for Michigan State for one season and averaged 9.3 points a game on shooting 38.2% from the field.

Christie was high on Pelinka’s list, believing that the guard's ability to space the floor and create his own shot is exactly what the Lakers need.

He is currently seeing action in the Summer League, where he is good for six points and 7.7 rebounds per outing.

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