The Lakers Bought the Thirty-Fifth Pick From Orlando
Los Angeles acquired the thirty-fifth overall choice in the June 23, 2022 NBA draft from Orlando and used it on Michigan State guard Max Christie. The Magic obtained approximately $2.15 million in cash and a future 2028 second-round selection, subject to which of two associated picks would be more favorable. This was not an established NBA player swap. The Lakers wanted to take a chance on a young perimeter defender and shooter; Orlando converted an early-second-round slot into financial compensation and another chance in a later draft.
Christie Developed Into a Usable Los Angeles Guard
Christie entered the Lakers organization as a teenage second-round prospect and earned opportunities across multiple seasons. His responsibilities included learning to defend opposing guards, spacing the floor and contributing to lineups centered on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Progress was not immediate or linear, but the club secured actual NBA minutes from a selected player at a modest draft cost. His later move to another franchise is part of a subsequent agreement and cannot erase the service Los Angeles received. Nor should any future team production be projected backward as more Lakers games.
Orlando Received Cash and a Conditional Future Asset
The Magic's incoming compensation included a specified cash amount and a 2028 second-round selection tied to the favorable position of eligible picks. That future asset had tradable value without guaranteeing a particular athlete or playing season for Orlando. Because the choice was years away, assigning an eventual player or NBA performance prematurely would distort the historical record. Orlando was also managing a deep collection of young prospects at the time of the 2022 draft. Selling the No. 35 choice was an understandable roster and resource decision even though the Lakers later realized a more tangible basketball return.
Low Draft Cost and Real Playing Time Favor Los Angeles
The deal illustrates how teams can value the same draft slot differently. The Lakers identified Christie, signed him and developed him into a rotation option, while Orlando preferred cash and deferred draft flexibility. Neither side surrendered a first-round selection, and an exaggerated championship-level score for the agreement alone would be inappropriate. Nevertheless, demonstrated NBA contributions from Christie carry greater weight than a future conditional right whose player outcome cannot yet be established. Orlando deserves credit for the guaranteed payment and the asset, but Los Angeles had the clearer on-court benefit over the first seasons after the swap.
Final Verdict
Lakers Win. Los Angeles earns A- because the purchased No. 35 pick became Max Christie, who logged real rotation minutes for the franchise. Orlando receives C+ for roughly $2.15 million and the future 2028 second-round right. Any later Christie seasons outside Los Angeles and the eventual identity of the Magic's conditional future selection are not invented as direct trade returns.