Max Christie Becomes Lakers' Fifth Starter

Max Christie has secured a spot in the Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup, recently performing well in a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. After a rocky start to the season, Christie averaged only 4.1 points with poor shooting percentages before being taken out of the rotation. Since his return, he has shown improvement, averaging 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in the games leading up to his starting role. His defensive efforts against All-Star guard Ja Morant were pivotal, holding him to just 6-of-21 shooting and causing seven turnovers. Head coach JJ Redick noted that Christie's consistent performance and potential for growth made him a suitable choice as a starter. The Lakers' ongoing search for a stable lineup has been influenced by injuries and the need for better performance, with Christie now being seen as a long-term project paying off.