| 09 September 2011
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DOUG CHRISTIE Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward Height: 6' 6" Weight: 200 lbs. Jersey Number: 35, 8 College: Pepperdine University Seasons with Lakers: 1992-94 Averages as a Laker: 42.9% FG / 24.7% 3Pts. / 72.7% FTs / 8.2 PPG / 2.9 RPG / 2.2 AST / 1.2 STL / .2 BLK / 2.2 TO / 2.6 PF / 18.8 MPG |
When he was traded to L.A. by the Seattle Supersonics as their 17th pick in the 1st round of the 1992 draft, the Lakers thought they had their next Michael Cooper and the second piece (to Anthony Peeler) to their youth movement. Christie showed some brilliance on the defensive end as well as his slashing and finishing abilities in both the half-court set and in fast-breaks even during his rookie season despite being the 3rd string off-guard and small forward.
The following season turned out to be the break he was looking for when long-time Laker Byron Scott decided to become a free agent and signed a multi-year contract with the Indiana Pacers in 1993. With Scott gone, Christie took over starting duties at guard for 34 games before head coach Randy Pfund realized that Doug isn't ready for such a big role.
Christie struggled with being a role player after being a major cog in high school and in Pepperdine. His ambition ultimately became his undoing when he thought he was a better offensive player than he really was as he often settled for 3-pointers and forcing shots over good defense and double-teams instead of using his athleticism and quickness to attack the basket. He also gambled way too much on defense opting to play the passing lane rather than just keeping himself in front of his man and making all shots difficult.
In 1994, the Lakers traded Christie to the New York Knicks for a couple of 2nd-round picks. Doug played for the Toronto Raptors the following year before getting shipped to the Sacramento Kings where he really flourished as a professional. In the 5 seasons he spent as a King, he carried a special fire whenever he faced the Lakers becoming Sacramento's "Kobe-stopper" and Rick Fox's sparring buddy.
Christie left basketball in the middle of the 2006-07 season with the Clippers when a slow-healing ankle injury forced his retirement. After, he became a reality TV star (Committed-The Christie's) along with his wife, Jackie. Doug is currently an author and has published his first book, 'No Ordinary Love: A True Story of Marriage and Basketball' and founder/owner of Christie Sports Management.
