On August 25, Beijing time, former NBA executive and The Athletic expert John Hollinger complained in an article about the Lakers' move to renew Christie's contract for 4 years and 32 million in the offseason, thinking that this contract renewal decision was surprising.

"The problem is that they've actually given him a lot of chances (944 minutes in 67 games); "So, it's a little surprising to see the Lakers renew him for a four-year, $32 million contract extension, and a player option for the fourth year, and I don't think I'm the only one who thinks that's the view after talking to some of the rest of the league." ”

Christie's performance last season may not have gone unnoticed, but he still said last month that he wants to be a "big part of the Lakers' rotation" in the third year of his career.

"I think we're on the same page on these issues, and I think we all agree that I'm going to be a big part of the offense, defense and rotation, so I'm looking forward to that," Christie said.

In the 2023-24 season, which is the second year of Christie's career, he averaged only 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Considering that he shot just 42.7 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from three-point range, and 78.3 percent from the free throw line, Los Angeles doesn't think there's anything to be said about such sophomore efficiency.

After All-Star Weekend, Christie's role on the team has diminished, dropping his playing time to 8.5 minutes from 17.2 minutes previously. In the first round of the playoffs against the Nuggets, Christie didn't get any chance to play.

Hollinger pointed out that renewing Christie's contract also seems to mean that the Lakers give up other opportunities to strengthen themselves. Because of Christie's contract extension, although the Lakers remain below the second local tyrant line, they can no longer use the mini-mid-range exception. The 5.2 million exception could have strengthened the Lakers' roster, but Pelinka gave up.

The Lakers in the new season are not favored by major media, and the NBA's official website only ranks the Lakers 12th in the West on the Western Power Rankings, and is not even in the ranks of the play-offs.