USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2023; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (10) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2023; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (10) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The day is finally here and the big names take court on the opening day of the regular season 2023-24. The fans at the Ball Arena witnessed the repeat of the Western Conference Finals where the Denver Nuggets swept the Los Angeles Lakers. However, apart from winning the opening day game, the Lakers fans have another concern with regards to 20-year-old Max Christie.
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The rising star managed to turn the Lakers fans’ attention towards his side with his performance in the preseason. Moreover, he had already managed to create a separate fan base for himself with his striking looks. Despite all his promising game time, head coach Darvin Ham decided not to give him a nod in the opening night’s game.
Fans upset over Max Christie’s absence
The Tuesday night game didn’t go in the direction expected by the fans. Nikola Jokic and his men dominated the game right from the get-go. Even though the Lakers had a touch of success in the second quarter, it wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Fans also had issues with how Darvin Ham handled the bench.
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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 16, 2023 Memphis, Tennessee, USA Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James 6 reacts with guard Max Christie 10 during the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230416_ams_in1_204
The Lakers clearly missed the bench players’ impact in the game as none scored in double digits. Moreover, Max Christie, who scored 51 points in 6 preseason games, didn’t get game time until the last 1 minute remaining in the game. Whereas, Cam Reddish, who scored 13 points in 3 preseason games, got 17-minute game time. Out of which, he managed to score 7 points. Following that, fans took to social media to express their disappointment.
Reddish in again over Max Christie. I just don’t understand.
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) October 25, 2023
Darvin Ham really gonna let Max Christie rot on the bench 💔 pic.twitter.com/UNrB17gKhy
— Hopeful Cowboys Fan (@CapSpacePie) October 25, 2023
Cam Reddish in before Max Christie? pic.twitter.com/D3k7Ax1i2s
— LAKESHOW BACK!! 🟣🟡🏀🏀 (@WXBelk) October 24, 2023
Darvin ham really playing Cam reddish over Max Christie pic.twitter.com/QMycxXMzsW
— Con (@DaConstrict) October 25, 2023
Max Christie did nothing to deserve this and everything to deserve the chance that reddish is getting
I hope I’m wrong
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) October 25, 2023
This mistake proved to be costly for the Lakers as they lost the opening day by a 12-point margin.
LeBron James‘ 21-point outing couldn’t save the Lakers.
The Nuggets outwit the Lakers on the opening night
The defending champions commanded the game right from the tip-off and completed the game with three players above 20 points. Notably, Jokic’s 29-point triple-double fueled the team’s victory. Apart from that, players off the bench supported the team with valuable contributions. Jamal Murray continued his form from the previous season and looked in great touch for the long season ahead.
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Will the Lakers bounce back in the next game? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Sameen Nawathe