“Just him showing flashes of being a good perimeter shooter with his shooting mechanics and being able to create his own shot off the dribble,” Buss told The Athletic of Christie’s skill set. “A high-IQ player, obviously, with his size and his length, at the two guard position.” When the Lakers were on the clock after acquiring the No. 35 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Christie was several spots higher than anyone else remaining on their draft board. Even though they didn’t work him out, they were more than comfortable selecting him after reviewing his film, watching him in person multiple times and interviewing him at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. “To be able to get a player of his caliber at the 35th pick, we feel really good about it,” Buss said.