Insider reveals Lakers to hold on to $32 million guard as JJ Redick looks to improve roster ahead of trade deadline 

An NBA insider said that third-year LA Lakers guard Max Christie is expected to remain a key piece for the team as it looks to improve its roster ahead of the trade deadline next month.

Dan Woike, Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Times, shared that coach JJ Redick has been satisfied with the way the Lakers are coming together since he inserted Christie in the starting lineup.

The insider said that with the way things are going, the second-round pick out of Michigan State won't be a part of any trade package and will stay in the starting five along with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

Christie, who signed a four-year, $32-million contract with the Lakers in July, was moved to the starting lineup on Dec. 8, and has helped the team to a 8-4 record. More time opened up for him following the trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in a package that included 3-and-D player Dorian Finney-Smith.

While Christie has been a relevation off late, Woike said that the Lakers are aware that they need to improve if they are to go deep in the competition this season and beyond.

The insider said that rival league executives believe the Lakers (20-15) will move in different ways by the trade deadline to effect the improvements they want. One way could be adding toughness to their game, especially in the perimeter, which they addressed to an extent with the acquisition of Finney-Smith. The need for another big man has also been floated.

Considering the dynamic the improved play of Christie has brought and the moves the team has made, it's going to be interesting the kind of direction the Lakers take by the trade deadline.

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Max Christie settling well as a starter for the Lakers

For the past month, Max Christie has been entrusted with a spot in the starting lineup, something he has settled in quite well.

Since inserted in the starting lineup in early December, he has been a stabilzing presence for the Lakers, both offensively and defensively, averaging 11 points, on 46.6% shooting from the field and 42% from deep in 30 minutes.

He showed what he's capable of in their 114-106 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. In 32 minutes he tallied 28 points, on 9-of-16 shooting and 5-of-9 from three and also had two steals and a block.

Following his career game, Christie shared that his offense is pretty much connected with his defense:

"100% (connected). It's definitely a big part of my game is to kind of get myself going defensively for sure, kind of with, like you said, my disposition, starting at the point of attack, I'm usually on the opposing team's best players."

Christie is now on his third year with the Lakers. He spent the early part of the ongoing season playing behind D'Angelo Russell, who has since been traded to the Brooklyn Nets.