What is Max Christie’s NBA Salary? All about the Lakers Star’s contract and career earnings

Max Christie is emerging in the NBA as a talent, with a great work ethic and an ability to perform well in clutch situations. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022, the 6’6″ shooting guard has worked his way into the team’s rotation and made his mark on both ends of the floor. With his determination on defense and an improved offensive game, Christie has shown that he has what it takes to shine under one of the most prestigious franchises in the league.

After recently re-signing to a four-year extension worth millions of dollars with the Lakers, his financial growth mirrors his growth on the court. From a low-rookie contract to major long-term security, his journey through the NBA continues to slowly increase in value. Here’s a detailed look at Max Christie’s current contract, career earnings and role with the Lakers.

What is Max Christie’s contract with the Los Angeles Lakers?

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On July 2, 2024, he signed a 4-year, $32 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal averages $8 million per year and is fully guaranteed. For the 2024-25 season, Christie’s salary will be $7,142,857, a number that allows him to match the salary cap and dead cap value. Regarding the salary cap, the Lakers retained Christie by using Early Bird Rights.

This makes a big change in Christie’s career: he moves from the rookie-scale contract to a somewhat secure form. The new contract will keep him in the Lakers’ court until the 2027/28 season, after which he will be an unrestricted free agent. It’s a whole new ball game for him.

Christie is making good money after reaping $2,737,645 on his rookie-scale contract. His new extension significantly raises his earnings level. It also shows the Lakers’ faith in his long-term skills. But how did they start?

Let’s take a deeper dive to find out. Christie’s versatility makes him especially valuable to the Lakers. As a shooting guard who can also play small forward, he fits into a league where positional flexibility is becoming everything. The increased three-point shooting, rebounding and just his work with defensive effort is what makes Christie a great addition to the stars of the Lakers while playing a central role off the bench.

Christie’s Journey to NBA Success: From Underdog to Key Player

Long before Max Christie touched the NBA court, he was already a few steps ahead when it came to basketball. A standout player in high school, he averaged 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists his senior year and shot over 40% from the field. With such amazing stats, he earned himself a scholarship to Michigan State to play one year of college ball.

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USA Today via Reuters

Averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 38 percent shooting for the Michigan State Spartans. The numbers are not particularly eye-catching. However, it was enough for people to notice the great potential he has. More importantly, his work ethic and versatility earned him wide-eyed attention from NBA scouts. This eventually led to him being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022.

The next big moment came on December 9, 2023. On this day, Christie contributed to the Lakers in the NBA tournament success of the season. It was nothing short of a pressure cooker performance. These moments allowed him to perfect the craft of becoming a player most would trust. Christie is headed for a bigger future. The team is preparing for life ahead as key veterans like LeBron James near the end of their competitive days.

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Max Christie has owned the NBA through hard work, flexibility and constant ambition. His rise is proof that hard work can get you far. He started out as a promising high school student. Today, he is a key influence in the Lakers making an impact and exceeding expectations.

A four-year, $32 million commitment means he won’t just be cashing checks. Instead, he will strive to shine even more. The Lakers can relax once he gets things going. They know they have secured another future cornerstone for years to come.