Lakers Rumors: Max Christie Receives Qualifying Contract Offer, Will Be Restricted FA

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly tendered wing Max Christie a qualifying offer on Saturday.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, that means Christie will become a restricted free agent this offseason.

Scotto noted that the 21-year-old Christie, who was the No. 35 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Lakers, will be "one of the more sought after young wings in free agency."

Over his first two NBA seasons, Christie had something of a bit role with the Lakers, although he did show improvement from his rookie season to Year 2.

As a rookie in 2022-23, the former Michigan State star averaged 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game, while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Last season, Christie appeared in 67 games after playing in 41 contests as a rookie, and he averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game. He also shot 42.7 percent from the floor and 35.6 percent from long range.

Assuming LeBron James either opts in or re-signs with the team, the Lakers are set to enter the 2024-25 campaign with largely the same roster it had last season.

Taurean Prince is L.A.'s only major unrestricted free agent, and the team added some new blood through the draft in first-round pick Dalton Knecht and second-round pick Bronny James.

Cam Reddish also has a player option for next season, so if both he and Prince leave, it would perhaps allow Christie to carve out a much bigger role for himself next season as the top wing off the bench.

Of course, the Lakers do figure to attempt to make a move or two via free agency or trade, and it is fair to wonder if they would be willing to include a promising young player like Christie in a deal for a more established player.

If Christie does remain in L.A., he will play in the same city as his brother since the Los Angeles Clippers selected Cam Christie in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft this week.