Former Los Angeles Laker Max Christie just lit a match and tossed it straight into the heart of Hollywood’s most storied NBA franchise. While speaking at a recent event, the 22-year-old didn’t mince words when reflecting on the blockbuster trade that sent him packing to Dallas. In his own words, “Leaving the Lakers was the peak of my career.”
Max Christie, who had once been considered a promising developmental player in Los Angeles’ crowded rotation, seems to have taken the trade as both a blessing and a personal vindication. His blunt comment, reported by Out Kick, felt like a backhand to a Lakers franchise that, let’s be honest, hasn’t exactly been dripping with success or good vibes lately.
Let’s break this down. The trade in question? Massive. Christie, Anthony Davis, and draft capital were all shipped to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. While Doncic’s move grabbed headlines, Christie quietly emerged as one of the more interesting parts of the fallout.
Why Getting Out of Los Angeles Made Sense for Max Christie
In LA, Christie was buried on a semi-stacked roster, pulling in a modest 8.5 points per game. Once he hit Dallas? That number jumped to 11.2. More minutes, more trust, more of a green light. He’s not just surviving, he’s thriving. And he’s clearly loving every second of being out from under the shadow of the purple and gold. Fans on social media seem to be enjoying it as well. “He is finally free from Bron,” commented one.
Now, for Lakers fans clutching their vintage Magic Johnson jerseys, this might sting. Because Max Christie’s words don’t just reflect his own journey. They also reflect a growing sentiment around the league. The once untouchable mystique of the Lakers? It’s… slipping. Players no longer whisper criticism. They’re speaking out. Boldly, publicly, and even gleefully.
Christie’s jab feels like a sign of the times. The Los Angeles Lakers are no longer the crown jewel of the NBA. Their postseason run ended early, they lost Anthony Davis, and even with Luka in the mix, they’ve got a roster that looks like a mix of TikTok-famous names and aging veterans. Meanwhile, Dallas, though they also missed the playoffs after a play-in loss, is riding a wave of momentum. Drafting Cooper Flagg first overall has injected some much-needed hype, and rumors are swirling that even LeBron James is eyeing Dallas as a potential landing spot, drawn to what some are calling a “Lakers-like” roster in Texas.
Will The Los Angeles Lakers Bounce Back?
But wait, there’s more drama. Just when it looked like the Los Angeles Lakers were destined for irrelevance, the franchise was bought out by the Walter Group (yes, the Dodgers’ owners) for a cool $10 billion. The Buss family? Out. Jeanie Buss will technically hang around as “team governor,” but let’s be real, she’s more figurehead than powerhouse now.
The Lakers might eventually find their footing under new ownership. But for now, they’re in limbo. And Christie isn’t afraid to point it out. His comment, that leaving LA was the best thing that ever happened to him, is a reflection of a young player who saw the writing on the wall and got out before the empire fully crumbled. So, is Max Christie being petty? Maybe a little, but is he wrong? That’s debatable.
In a league where perception is everything, Max Christie just pulled an Uno reverse card on the franchise that once treated him like a bench piece. And in the process, he reminded everyone, including the Los Angeles Lakers, that sometimes, your “career peak” isn’t about where you started, it’s about who finally lets you play.
