Former Michigan State star Max Christie speaks on his growth in the NBA

Is Max Christie one of the more popular Michigan State basketball players in recent seasons? Maybe not, but he's still a guy who Spartan fans continue to root hard for.

I was grateful he spent his one collegiate season in East Lansing. Did it go how everyone was hoping? No it didn't but he's a Spartan for life. Was his decision to go to the NBA after one year a little rushed? Maybe, but he's certainly grown since leaving Michigan State after the 2021-22 season.

Christie's first couple of years in the NBA were certainly rough, given he was still only a teenager. Did he land in a good spot? Yes, he did with the Los Angeles Lakers. Like any young talent in the NBA, sometimes it takes time to grow, especially with all of the egos in the sport.

The trials and tribulations of the NBA have only made him better and tougher. That can be seen as he's now in his third season.

Christie has made his mark so far this season as he's finally found his role. Max is averaging 7.8 points per game along with 2.3 rebounds in 32 games played this season. He's coming off a career night against the Portland Trail Blazers in which he scored 28 points. His production has been climbing, and others around him are taking notice.

Christie spoke with Jovan Buha from The Athletic recently about his increased role.

"It's been really good so far, honestly," Christie said. "I look back at it and reflect on my whole career up to this point. I hadn't really played a lot, and then I was just trying to work and work and work. In my head and at home after games, I'm thinking about how I want to play more and stuff like that. And now I'm starting. So it's cool to see the growth."

Some very important teammates have also been taking notice. LeBron James, for one, spoke very highly of Max, following the Lakers win against Portland.

Keep doing what you are doing, Max, it's great to see things starting to pay off.