LA Lakers star opens up on new role and reveals how tough Pistons ‘All-Star level’ player is

On By Littum

Just as the LA Lakers seemed to have found their feet, they were brought back down to earth by the Detroit Pistons.

LeBron James was back and the team was on a three-game winning streak, but the Pistons spoiled the Lakers party.

James has been back to his very best after his rest and recovery and has once again been the top scorer with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Despite his best efforts, the Lakers would still go down 114-117 thanks to the combined efforts of Cade Cunningham and Malik Beasley, who combined for 41 points.

Austin Reaves was left unhappy with his display, while Lakers legend James Worthy explained how the Pistons were too physical.

One player who had another solid display was Max Christie, he has found himself a regular in the Lakers side and once again highlighted his worth to the team.

Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on December 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: Use...
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Christie opens up to extra responsibilities

Despite being just 21, Lakers coach JJ Redick has trusted Christie to take extra minutes for the team in recent weeks.

Redick recently praised Christie, saying he “plays hard every night,” something some Lakers players have been accused of not doing.

Christie played 33 minutes against the Pistons and scored 17 points, making 6-10 field goals and 3-4 from behind the arc.

While Christie enjoys his attacking snaps, he explains why his defensive efforts are more important to him.

He spoke to the media after the game: “Tonight was a great offensive game for me, but I wouldn’t say I measure myself on that end, it’s more the defensive end.”

Christie went on to explain how he felt about handling the difficult offensive skills of the Pistons’ brightest star, Cade Cunningham.

Cunningham has been linked to an All-Star spot, and Christie can see why. (points), 10 (assists) and five (rebounds), but I felt like I did a good job just trying to make it difficult for him. He’s a great player and he’s going to make tough shots, so overall I think I’m in a pretty good spot right now.”

Christie gets honest about ‘killing’ turnover

It’s no secret that the Lakers have struggled with turnover issues in their recent defeats. The team gave up 18 in the loss to the Pistons, which Christie described as a ‘killer’.

Worthy recently called the Lakers’ turnover problems ‘terrible’ after their 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, their two wins over the Sacramento Kings resulted in 13 and 14 turnovers, respectively.

Christie spoke about the turnover issues: “Those turnovers are definitely killer, we just have to try to do a better job as a team just trying to take care of the ball. I mean we have enough talent to score and we shot the ball extremely well. I think if we cut down on turnovers we’ll probably end up winning or at least putting ourselves in a better position to win.”

Despite the Lakers’ turnover struggles, they rank pretty low in most turnovers. They are currently 19th with just 403 turnovers, the Utah Jazz lead with 523.

The Lakers will need to clean up their mistakes when they face Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

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