Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.
As the Lakers embark on their 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.
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Just prior to the 2022 NBA Draft, the Lakers sent a 2028 second-round draft pick and cash to the Orlando Magic for the No. 35 pick. They used that pick to select Max Christie, a 6-foot-5 wing from Michigan State University.
At the time, he was considered a project player who had raw potential as a 3-and-D wing. He had struggled a lot with his shooting during his lone season with the Spartans, and it was projected that it would take him some time to become a respectable shot-maker in the pros.
But as a rookie, Christie made 41.9% of his 3-point attempts. He didn’t get much playing time during his first two seasons with the Lakers under then-head coach Darvin Ham, but last season, JJ Redick gave him more reps, and he responded.
He emerged as an effective defender, and by December, his improved outside shooting earned him a consistent spot in L.A.’s starting lineup.
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Then came the early February trade that landed the team generational superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Christie was sent out in the deal, and he ended the season averaging 9.6 points a game while making a decent 36.6% of his 3-point attempts.
He is now looking to help a reloaded Mavs team become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference alongside former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 10/No. 12 — Max Christie