Lakers, Max Christie Agree To New Contract In Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked in various rumors ahead of the opening of NBA free agency, but their first order of business has been to retain internal talent.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Max Christie agreed to re-sign with the Lakers on a four-year $32 million deal with a player option.

Christie appeared in 67 games for the Lakers with seven starts this season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes of action. He’s a career 37.8-percent shooter from beyond the arc. His role under Darvin Ham proved inconsistent, with the organization banking on his upside going forward.

The Lakers are entering a new era under first-year head coach JJ Redick, and James is in the final stages of his career. He opted out of his $51.4 million player option on Saturday and intends to negotiate a new deal with Los Angeles.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers Updates

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James is willing to take less than he was set to make in the final year of the deal to help the Lakers pursue some of the top players on the market. The goal is to unlock the non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $12.9 million.

However, James is only willing to sign for a reduced amount if the Lakers can land a dynamic talent, with McMenamin listing James Harden (who since re-signed with the LA Clippers), Klay Thompson, and Jonas Valanciunas.

Los Angeles is expected to be one of the more active free agency teams this offseason as the team tries to add talent around stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis in hopes of competing for a championship next season.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Re-signing Christie is a step in the right direction, but it’s clear that bigger moves are on the horizon for the Lakers this offseason.

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