Max Christie will get a four-year deal worth $32 million to return to the Lakers, an AP source says

LOS ANGELES – Promising wing Max Christie will return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract worth $32 million, a person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the Lakers have not yet announced the deal for their former second-round draft pick, ESPN first reported.

The 21-year-old Christie averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists despite his inconsistent play during his first two seasons in the NBA, but the Lakers clearly believe in his potential.

The Michigan State product is a career 37.8% shooter on three-point attempts, and he showed promise as a three-and-D wing during his stints in the Lakers’ rotation last season, including seven starts.

New Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned Christie prominently when speaking during his introductory press conference last week about the team’s promising young talent ripe for development.

Even with two years of NBA experience, Christie is two years younger than Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round pick last Wednesday.

Christie’s brother, Cam, was drafted last week by the Los Angeles Clippers.