Lakers Star Turns ‘Grinch’ As Kobe Bryant’s Christmas Fever Spreads to Old Stomping Grounds

In an interview shortly after Max Christie’s draft day, Lakers fans made a comparison between their newest signing to Kobe Bryant. While he did not get much playing time in his first year, sporadic appearances have become common in his second go-around. And, for the most part, he’s been making good of his opportunities. However, as the season continues to progress, Max Christie is showing more than just signs of emulating The Black Mamba. 

During the Los Angeles Lakers‘ disappointing loss to the New York Knicks at home, Christie did not see the floor. During warmups and on the bench, eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the 20-year-old wearing an iconic Bryant sneaker again. The Reverse Grinch, an ode to the legendary Grinch shoe from the 5x-Champion has been making the waves over the last few weeks. Previously, Anthony Davis has worn the Grinch variation multiple times during his tenure in LA.

Christie wearing the shoe regularly also serves as a reminder of the impact Bryant had on players. Not just on the court, but off it as well. But it isn’t just shoes that Max is embracing from arguably the greatest player in franchise history. From a skillset perspective, Christie is very similar to Bryant.

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While not fully developed yet, the potential is there for Max to turn into a game-changer. A stout defender with a jumper that looks better every day, he is starting to mold himself into a competent NBA player. Could we see a similar trajectory to the late, great Kobe again? As far as impact on and off the court goes, however, it wasn’t just his team paying homage to the 2008 MVP.

Lakers-Knicks serves as a reminder of the impact Kobe Bryant had

In Julius Randle, the Knicks have one of the few remaining players in the league to serve as teammates of Bryant. The 12x All-Defensive Team selection’s history with LeBron James needs no mentioning. But it wasn’t just the ones in direct contact with him that he had an impact on.

Like Christie, Jalen Brunson was also in full homage mode for Bryant. Similarly, he too had a pair of Reverse Grinches on his feet as he would torch the Lakers en route to their 3rd loss in 4 games. Especially on banner night, this loss would hurt more than usual.

With the team looking more cohesive with Christie on the court, could we see him get back to more playing minutes?

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