Former Laker Takes Major Unexpected Shot at LA After Being Traded Away

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie declared his trade to the Dallas Mavericks as his favorite day of his NBA career during a Q&A session at the Mavericks Academy Hoop Camp. This statement, shared by Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis, is seen as a significant slight against his former Lakers team.

Christie was traded to the Mavericks in a blockbuster February deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers. The Lakers packaged Christie, superstar center Anthony Davis, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. This unexpected trade was widely viewed as a major win for the Lakers at the time, though its long-term benefits for either team remain uncertain.

Christie spent his first two-plus NBA seasons with the Lakers. After limited playing time (13.5 minutes per game) in his initial two seasons, his role expanded significantly in the 2024-25 season. He averaged 27.3 minutes per game across 46 appearances with the Lakers, starting 25 games. During his time with the Lakers that season, he averaged 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.

The Lakers originally selected Christie with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Michigan State.