Max Christie erupted for a career-high 28 points as the Lakers topped the Trail Blazers 114-106 on Thursday night, stepping up big time with Anthony Davis sidelined by a left ankle sprain.
“Tonight was a career night for me,” said Christie, who’s just 21 years old. “This is something that I want to hang on to and try to replicate as much as possible.”
The young guard was on fire from everywhere on the court, hitting 9 of 16 shots including five three-pointers – all career bests. He filled up the stat sheet too, adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block.
Christie’s been thriving since coach JJ Redick moved him into the starting lineup on December 8.
“You have to learn how to be a pro,” Redick explained. “You need to do the same things every night until you’re so reliable the coach can’t take you off the court. That’s where I’ve seen Max grow these past six to eight weeks.”
With Portland’s defense locked in on Austin Reaves, Christie made them pay for leaving him open.
He wasn’t the only one having a big night. LeBron James was absolutely cooking, draining a season-best seven threes on just 10 attempts on his way to 38 points.
“He’s putting in the work and it’s paying off,” said LeBron, praising Christie’s development. “We’ve got coaches who believe in him, we believe in him, and he was spectacular tonight on both ends of the floor.”
The Lakers needed every bit of LeBron’s heroics with AD out. At 40 years old, James knew he had to step up.
“AD’s our No. 1, No. 2 option,” James said. “When he’s out, we all have to step up our game, including myself.”
The performance was historic too – LeBron tied Michael Jordan for most 30+ point games in NBA history. It was also the third-highest scoring game ever by a player over 40.
“He’s just fantastic,” Redick said of James. “A couple possessions that seemed dead and he just bailed us out. Just another 38-point game for LeBron.”
