[Buha] The Lakers are preaching patience that the right trade will eventually materialize while betting that healthier versions of Vanderbilt and Vincent, the addition of Knecht and the promotion of Christie into the rotation will shore up the group’s perimeter defense, athleticism and shooting.

The inability to develop a young talent like Christie was one of the many internal grievances with Ham, who would be fired a few days after the season. Several Lakers stakeholders believed Christie’s shooting, rebounding and point-of-attack defense were traits the Lakers could have used against Denver.

Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick sold Christie on their development plan for him next season and beyond.

While in Las Vegas for two weeks watching younger brother Cam play in summer league after being drafted by the crosstown LA Clippers, Christie spent time with Redick at the team’s summer league practices. The two spoke extensively about his role next season, including how the Lakers plan to use him as a cutter and a shooting weapon coming off pindowns. Redick directed drills and walked Christie through various actions in multiple workouts.

To prepare for his increased role, Christie has been working on making reads off closeouts at various parts of the floor. He’s familiar with that task considering spot-up play has been his primary offensive responsibility as a Laker, but he’s aiming to perform the role at a much higher level next season.

Christie has worked with the Lakers’ coaching and player development staff to become a more disruptive defender. He wants to make ballhandlers more uncomfortable, leading to them wasting the shot clock, picking up their dribble and/or moving the ball elsewhere. At the end of each workout, Christie goes through a set of defensive drills designed to test his stamina and mental fortitude when his legs are gone and his breath is short.