Training camp for the 2023-24 NBA season is slowly but surely approaching, and while there is plenty of time before it begins, it’s time for players to start ramping up their training and preparation.
That’s especially true for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are hoping to win their 18th world championship next summer. They magically remade what was a broken roster in January and February, and now they’re aiming for the sky rather than just trying to tread water.
Max Christie just finished a fantastic summer league in July, and he was clearly the best player on the floor for the Lakers during that time. It’s now time for him to make that play translate to the upcoming NBA season by working on these three goals.
Excel on defense
Christie has reportedly been challenged to be the best defensive player on the floor, and he met that challenge fairly well during summer league play.
While the Lakers became a very good defensive team after the All-Star break this past season, they could use additional effective wing defenders. Jarred Vanderbilt did well in that category, but his offensive limitations caused his playing time to plunge during the playoffs.
Christie has shown excellent effort on the defensive end since Los Angeles drafted him a year ago. It’s time for him to turn that effort into outstanding results.
Shoot at least 40 percent from 3-point range
While at Michigan State University, Christie was a poor outisde shooter. But this past season, he did surprisingly well in that department, shooting 41.9 percent from 3-point range with the Lakers.
He continued to be accurate from downtown during summer league play, and it seems to be a skill that should translate well. The Lakers still need to improve in that area, and it looks like Christie can help. But at the same time, he should set the bar very high for himself.
Bulk up
When the Lakers drafted him, Christie weighed just 190 pounds while being measured at 6-foot-5. But he reportedly added some bulk in the months that followed, and it certainly helped him on the court.
It’s time for the guard to continue to get stronger. Doing so could help him accomplish the first goal above of becoming a great defender while also helping him withstand the rigors of a long NBA season.
The Lakers are reportedly confident Christie will crack their rotation. An additional 10 pounds or so of muscle would greatly increase his chances of doing so.
