A second-round pick lighting it up with 28 points alongside LeBron James in a Los Angeles Lakers victory.
That is the dream for both LeBron and son Bronny, who made history as the NBA‘s first father-son duo earlier this season.
GettyMax Christie is becoming a key figure for the Lakers[/caption]
A version of it was realised on Thursday night as third-year star Max Christie posted career-high numbers in over a Minnesota Timberwolves team without Anthony Edwards‘.
For Bronny, who is trying to hone his craft with the South Bay Lakers before stepping up to the big league, there is no better role model.
Christie was drafted in 2022 and showed promise in the G League in his debut season while taking a spot on the Lakers bench.
He started three NBA games in 2022 and seven in the last campaign before being handed a four-year, $32million deal over the offseason.
The former Michigan State guard headlines for all the wrong reasons in November with a game-sealing blunder as he fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 22 seconds remaining in a defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
But the 21-year-old learned his lesson and has started the last 10 games – averaging 12.1 points and helping the Lakers go 7-3 despite LeBron and Davis missing significant time with injury.
His best the latest – a 28-point showing in a 114-106 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers.
LeBron put up 38 to match Michael Jordan‘s all-time record of 562 30-plus-point games and paid tribute to his young teammate.
“It helps when the coaches believe in you and they give you an opportunity to make mistakes when you’re a young kid,” he said in the locker room.
“You go out there live with your mistakes and also get better from them.
GettyChristie ensured Davis’ absence didn’t slow the Lakers’ roll[/caption]
“We had one at OKC where he fouled in that game and learned from it.
“Coaches didn’t give up on him and say, ‘OK, you made a mistake, alright sit.’
“He’s been in the rotation and back into the starting line-up and he’s just taken off from there, taking full advantage of it.
“He’s ready for this opportunity and we’re happy for him.”
While No. 1 picks like LeBron can make an instant impact as a rookie, second-rounders often need time to develop.
Christie has put in the work and is setting himself up for a long career in the NBA – showing 20-year-old Bronny exactly what is possible if he continues to work on his game in the G League.
Fans took to social media to hype up the rising star.
“Sky’s the limit for max. His work ethic is unreal. He won’t be denied his goals,” one posted on X.
“It’s real and I am so here for it,” another added.
“Max Christie is stepping up big time, impressive performance tonight,” wrote a third.
“LeBron and Max Christie stepped up big, securing the W and making history,” a fourth said.
The Lakers moved to 19-14 for the season
