NBA Insiders Reportedly Destroy Lakers for One Offseason Decision

The Los Angeles Lakers had a notably frustrating offseason. Fans have been clamoring for a big move that never came. GM Rob Pelinka went after multiple free agents and trade targets but consistently came up empty-handed. Now, the Lakers are basically bringing back the same roster from last season who lost in the first round of the playoffs.

This lack of activity received a ton of criticism from the fanbase and the media. However, even the few little moves they have made aren't particularly well received. In fact, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic, many people around the league weren't big fans of the Lakers signing Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal.

"Thus, it was a bit shocking to see the Lakers commit to a four-year, $32 million free-agent deal to bring him back, one that included a fourth-year player option. Talking to some other people around the league, I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion."

- John Hollinger, The Athletic

In his article, Hollinger wrote about offseason moves that deserve more scrutiny than they got. Los Angeles re-signing apparently falls under that category for him.

Max Christie is the only wing resembling a three-and-D skillset on the Lakers. The team desperately needed more shooting and defense last year but Christie failed to earn the trust of Darvin Ham, especially in the playoffs.

There are two ways to look at this. One could argue that Ham could and should have given Christie more of an opportunity. Another could easily argue that if Christie was good enough, he would have earned a role for a team desperate for his skillset.

Christie is only 21 years old. He can certainly live up to this contract and become a solid, two-way role player. But, Hollinger's criticism is right in the sense that the Lakers don't have the luxury to wait and hope that he does. They are a win-now team who can't afford to overpay developmental projects. They need to try to find value on the margins rather than taking expensive flyers on unproven players but maybe that is too much to ask from one of the least competent front offices in the NBA.

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