Is Max Christie the Next Austin Reaves? Plus, D'Angelo Russell Waives No-Trade Clause

The Lakers have constructed most of their roster—just that pesky final center (presumably) remains—and generally to terms very favorable to the team. One wrinkle that was disclosed this week? Via Keith Smith, the cap guru, D'Angelo Russell waived the no-trade clause afforded him (and any other player signing a similar deal) thanks to his contract, which amounts to only one guaranteed year, since the second one is an option. Why? Does that mean Russell is, once again, on the trade block, before the ink even dries on this deal? Well, sort of? Russell will always be placed into trade rumors. He's been there since the Lakers drafted him. He was in rumors in Brooklyn. He was in rumors in Golden State. He was in rumors this summer. He'll be in rumors next year, the year after, and with whatever teams he plays for before he retires. But it's a setup that benefits everyone. If the Lakers are going well and Russell is playing well, he's not going to be dealt at all. If he's not? It benefits everyone to make his departure easier. Meanwhile, Max Christie is looking excellent in Summer League, not just as a scorer but displaying a full floor game. The difference he could make in LA's rotation this season, if he's a guy the team would want to play 15-20 a night vs. can play 10-15 is dramatic. That's like acquiring a $5-10 million player via free agency, or making a trade where you sacrifice nothing. And it's the floor game that gets him in the rotation, not the scoring. That's the skill the Lakers are least likely to need. Jalen Hood-Schifino has also settled into very steady play. Very few mistakes, very little flash. Just solid decision after solid decision. The outside shot needs to come, but for now, the type of low turnover, low mistake ball he's playing is what the Lakers would need if he's pressed into service (or, of course, earns it). Finally, Max Lewis signed a four-year deal. Are the Lakers getting smarter about locking up second rounders? Or is it a matter of representation? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Russell waives his no-trade clause. What's up with that? SEGMENT 2: Is Max Christie the new Austin Reaves? SEGMENT 3: Jalen Hood-Schifino has an interesting comp, according to a viewer on the YT page. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free Yeti style tumbler. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code MLB when you register.Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA for 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices