Ex-Laker Max Christie: Leaving LA Was My Career Peak

Max Christie, once a development player in the Los Angeles Lakers' pipeline, didn’t hold back when reflecting on his trade to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster exchange for Luka Doncic. 

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 12: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 12, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Commenting at the Mavs Academy Hoop Camp in Frisco, Texas, as reported by The Dallas Morning News' Mike Curtis, the 22-year-old boldly stated that leaving the Lakers was the pinnacle of his young career. The remark was seen as a jab at the franchise, which seemed to have given up on the ascending hooper in favor of Doncic.

Since playing for the Lakers no longer carries the prestige of past decades, young players like Christie are stepping up to throw jabs at the franchise. 

Christie's criticism underscores a shift as the Lakers’ allure fades and players feel emboldened to critique the organization. Christie, still early in his career, quickly took off with Dallas, earning more minutes as a starter compared to the semi-loaded roster in LA. His scoring improved from 8.5 PPG in LA to 11.2 PPG in Dallas.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles struggled after the trade, failing to advance past the first round of the postseason. Dallas also missed the playoffs after a play-in loss but has been on the rise, buoyed by drafting first pick Cooper Flagg.

WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 30:  Max Christie #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 30, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Mavericks have also sparked rumors as a potential trade destination for current Lakers leader LeBron James, who’s reportedly intrigued by Dallas’ "Lakers-like" roster. In the trade, Christie, Anthony Davis and draft capital were swapped for Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.

Dallas gained surprising post-trade momentum, thanks in part to their lottery pick for Flagg. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ trajectory shifted dramatically when the Walter Group, owners of the Dodgers, purchased the franchise for $10 billion. With the insouciant Buss family out of the picture, the Lakers appear primed for an upswing, even as LeBron James holds one foot out the door and loses influence over operations. Jeanie Buss will remain as "team governor" after the sale of the team, which is unlikely to influence the team at all.

The seesaw between the Mavs and Lakers continues to fuel headlines.

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