LOS ANGELES – At the Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas game against the Golden State Warriors, Max Christie knows the job of chasing Stephen Curry for 48 minutes will likely fall to him.

However, it’s not like he’s not used to this kind of challenge. In the last month alone, Christie has been given several difficult defensive assignments, including Trae Young, Ja Morant and Cade Cunningham. Next comes curry. But there’s a catch.

After the Lakers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday, Max Christie praised Stephen Curry ahead of the Christmas game against the Warriors.

“I got Steph Curry for Christmas, so that’s a big challenge that I’m happy to take on. And for me, I just have to prepare at an elite level. And I think that’s what I usually do with all these games. “For me, it’s just being consistent with my schedule, taking care of my body, staying hydrated, eating right and getting enough sleep,” Christie said.

“I do all the little things because it will add up and I think that will hopefully stand me in good stead at Christmas when I’m looking after a top ten player of all time,” Christie continued. “I’m excited about the opportunity. You don’t get that often, so I’m looking forward to it.”

It’s entirely possible that Stephen Curry has the resume of a top ten player of all time. But regardless, it will be a big challenge for Christie and will go a long way in whether or not the Lakers win.

The defensive influence of Max Christie

One of the key areas of growth for Christie this season has been defensively. One of his highlights in this regard came on December 6th against the Atlanta Hawks. Although the Lakers lost that game, Christie made a big block on Trae Young that sent the game into overtime.

A few games later, on December 15, Christie hounded Ja Morant and hounded him to 6-of-21 shooting and a Lakers victory. On Monday, Christie faced Cade Cunningham, who is having an All-Star season, against the Pistons.

Although the Pistons and Cunningham, who finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists, defeated the Lakers, Christie enjoyed the duel. Christie dropped a career-high 17 points but noted that he measures his success on the defensive end.

“I think I did a good job tonight. My main opponent was Cade Cunningham. He’s an elite player, an All-Star level player,” Christie said. “He still finished with 20, 10 and five, but I thought I did a good job just making it difficult for him. He’s a great player, he’s going to hit hard shots. But overall I think I’m in pretty good shape right now.”

One player who has certainly noticed the impact Christie has brought to the team is Austin Reaves. Since Christie was in the starting lineup, Reaves has moved to full-time point guard. Reaves also didn’t have to face as many tough defensive battles as he did in previous seasons.

The main thing Reaves noticed about his backcourt partner is Christie’s willingness to keep up defensively.

“I think he’s been really, really good for us the last few weeks. He stepped into that role and embraced it and he made really good defensive and offensive plays,” Reaves said after the Pistons game. “I think since he’s been here he’s just become a better player. Every day he asks questions and wants to learn. He’s a really good kid and a really good basketball player too.”