Free agency began on Sunday afternoon relatively quietly for the Los Angeles Lakers. There have been no big outside signings so far, despite rumors that Klay Thompson could be a realistic option for them.
They do have a couple of their own players they need to re-sign, beginning with, of course, LeBron James. James is reportedly willing to take a pay cut if the team lands a difference-making free agent with its mid-level exception.
But for now, it has reportedly retained one of its most promising young players. Guard Max Christie will sign a four-year, $32 million contract to stick around with the Purple and Gold.
ESPN Sources: Restricted free agent G Max Christie intends to sign a four-year, $32 million deal to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. Deal includes player option. Christie — 35th pick in the 2022 draft — has shown promise as a future LA rotation player. pic.twitter.com/75Y86oszJa
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2024
Christie has shown the potential to become a 3-and-D player in his two NBA seasons. But his playing time didn’t increase during the 2023-24 campaign, and it was reportedly a factor in the firing of Darvin Ham.