In a recent game, the Lakers' 21-year-old rising star, Christie, once again demonstrated his remarkable basketball talent. He set a solid offensive tone for the team with two accurate three-pointers at the start of the game and further consolidated the team's lead with an inspiring three-pointer in the crucial moments. Throughout the game, Christie also excelled defensively, impressively restricting Fox. He played a total of 32 minutes, shooting 8 times and making 5 shots, including 3 out of 5 three-pointers and perfect free throws, ultimately contributing a comprehensive stat line of 16 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block without any turnovers.
Christie's outstanding performance is undoubtedly the best response to the Lakers management's decision to offer him a four-year, $32 million contract. Although his performance in October and November at the beginning of the season had raised some doubts, as the games progressed, he gradually found his role and positioning. Not only did he become more stable defensively, but he also showed a bolder and more confident side offensively, successfully transitioning from a potential new star to a 3D player.
It is worth mentioning that Christie has scored 17 points, 16 points, and 16 points in the last three games, becoming an indispensable offensive force in the Lakers' starting lineup. In the Christmas Day game, he contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, helping the team narrowly defeat the Warriors 115-113. After the game, Christie said, "We hope to continue this momentum into our next games, especially when we play at home against the Cavaliers and Kings. We are eager to defend the honor of our home court."
Christie not only expresses a desire for victory in his words but also demonstrates it through his actions. In the game against the Kings, he started hot, hitting two consecutive three-pointers, earning the Lakers a valuable lead. In the final quarter, when the Kings attempted a comeback, Christie stepped up again, hitting a precise three-pointer to extend the team's lead to 11 points, successfully stifling the opponent's attack.
Furthermore, Christie's defensive performance is equally commendable. In this game, he was primarily responsible for defending DeRozan and Fox, two high-scoring players. Although Fox finished with a comprehensive stat line of 29 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals, under Christie's tight defense, his three-point shooting percentage was only 11.1%, with a negative plus-minus value of -7. Christie also delivered an impressive block on Fox during the game, further showcasing his defensive prowess.
In summary, Christie's rise has undoubtedly injected new vitality into the Lakers, and his excellent performance fully justifies the Lakers management's wise decision to give him a high contract. We have every reason to believe that in future games, Christie will continue to work alongside core players like James and Davis to contribute to the Lakers' glorious future. In recent games, Christie has shown extraordinary steal ability, successfully intercepting attacks from Fox and DeRozan. His performance increasingly highlights the characteristics of a 3D player, as if following in the footsteps of the Lakers' former championship wing, Pope.
Entering December, Christie has become an indispensable member of the Lakers, participating in all 12 events and averaging 28.8 minutes per game. During this period, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals while committing only 0.9 turnovers. His shooting percentage was 43.5%, his three-point shooting percentage reached 40.9%, and his free throw percentage was also impressive at 86.8%.
Judging from the December statistics, Christie can fully match his 8millionannualsalarystandard.Ifhecanmaintainthislevelofoutstandingperformancethroughoutthemonth,thecontractwillundoubtedlybeabargain.Afterall,intoday′sleague,excellent3Dplayersarehighlyvalued,withsalariesrangingfrom15 million to 20millionperyear.Popeisoneofthetopperformers,signingalucrativethree−year,66 million contract with the Magic this summer, with an average annual salary climbing to $22 million.
Pope's success has undoubtedly set an excellent example for Christie. Both have similar physiques and have served under James. Pope's skyrocketing value is largely due to his championship glory with both the Lakers and Nuggets. In comparison, Christie is still young, in his third year in the NBA at only 21 years old, with limitless potential.
As Christie continues to achieve remarkable results on the court, he has firmly secured the starting shooting guard position. James and Davis need a 3D player with both defensive and shooting abilities by their side. Christie's rise has undoubtedly injected new vitality and hope into the Lakers.