Lakers: “Important to have him get DNPs lmao”

The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll under JJ Redick as Los Angeles finishes December with a 5-2 record after a 1-3 start. The Lakers open 2025 with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.

Los Angeles was buoyed by a career night from third-year guard Max Christie, who is playing an increased role with the Lakers under JJ Redick after being underutilized in the 2023-24 season. Fans on social media reacted to Christie's heroic performance after Los Angeles' 114-106 win over the Trail Blazers.

“Max Christie takes the start,” Lakers fan page to publish.

“(Darvin Hamm) made him get the DNPs,” another fan He pointed outthrowing shade at the former Los Angeles coach.

“Yes, he's on fire tonight,” a third admirer Agreed.

Fans continued to throw shade at Darvin Hamm for leaving Christie on the bench last year.

“Ham didn’t play with him at the All-Pro,” one fan said Comment.

“Ham hasn't used it at all in the last year,” another fan Agreed.

“He sat on the bench (Darvin Hamm) for two years by the way,” a third fan said He added.

Before Thursday's game, Christie had scored 16 or more points in three of his last four games. Over his last five games, Max Christie has averaged 16.4 points, shooting 51% from the field during that span.

Max Christie and LeBron James lead the Lakers to victory over Portland

In the absence of Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Max Christie stepped up to lead the Lakers to victory over Portland at home as James and Christie combined for 66 of Los Angeles' 114 points.

Christie finished as the game's second-leading scorer, tallying a career-high 28 points on 9-of-16 shooting, and connecting on five of his nine 3-point attempts. He also had three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

LeBron James scored a game-high 38 points on 15-of-25 shooting, and buried 7-of-10 3-pointers, including a clutch 27-footer in the final minute of the game to put Los Angeles ahead 110-102. James also had three rebounds and assisted on eight baskets.

Austin Reeves concluded a heroic performance in front of a friendly crowd with a performance that bordered on a triple-double. Reeves finished the match with 15 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds.