Lakers News: The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor Shouts Out Defense Of Young LA Wing

18 games into the 2023-2024 NBA season, your 10-8 Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with injuries up and down the roster.

Wing Cam Reddish has missed the past couple of games, while Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt have played only four games, and not at all, respectively.

As a result, second year wing Max Christie has been asked to do a lot more than we originally expected, sliding into the starting lineup after the Reddish injury.

The 6'6" Michigan State product has added some value on both sides of the ball, but defense has been his calling card. Here's what Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer had to say about him:

Max Christie was amazing tonight. Fit right in on offense and played lockdown defense. Made it hard on Donovan Mitchell.

Between Christie, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt the Lakers have some great options for wing defense. pic.twitter.com/MV0QItPBhR
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 26, 2023

Christie's defense has been great, as his length and athleticism have proven important for an LA team down nearly all of their capable point of attack defenders.

His offense has shown signs of improving, as while he's struggled to stay consistent, he's been making the right plays, recording just two turnovers in his three starts. And, as a respectable three-point shooting threat, he's capable of spacing the offense out, giving LeBron, AD, Reaves, and Russell room to operate in the half-court.

Max's development has been nice to watch, and continuing to see how he can further grow into a role that the Lakers need played well (3-and-D) will be a storyline of the young season.

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