Former Michigan State Star Sends Message to New NBA Team

Former Michigan State star Max Christie has sent a message to Dallas Mavericks fans after being acquired in a trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jan 27, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (12) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Josh Okogie (12) during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (12) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Josh Okogie (12) during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks over the weekend, and as part of the package, the Lakers sent Max Christie to the Mavericks.

Christie was actually starting to come into his own with Los Angeles this season and had established himself as a core member of its rotation, but understandably, the Lakers could not pass up an opportunity to add Doncic.

Now, the former Michigan State Spartans star will have a new beginning in Dallas, and he and Anthony Davis — who was also shipped to the Mavs in the trade — sent a message to Mavericks fans upon heading to Dallas.

Christie played in 46 games while making 25 starts for Los Angeles this season, averaging 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds over 25.1 minutes a night on 44.4/36.8/85.1 shooting splits.

The 22-year-old has certainly been improving as the season has progressed, as he logged 10 points and 3.2 boards per game in December before posting 11 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in January. That came after a rather pedestrian start to the year in October and November.

Christie may not be a superstar talent, but he definitely possesses impressive two-way potential. He has a very smooth perimeter shot, and he has the ability to guard multiple positions on the defensive end.

That is exactly what teams value in the modern NBA, so Christie absolutely fits a prototype that clubs look for, which is why Dallas wanted him in return for Doncic.

Christie spent one season at East Lansing in 2021-22, registering 9.3 points and 3.5 rebounds across 30.8 minutes per game on 38.2/31.7/82.4 shooting splits.

The 6-foot-6 wing opted to enter the NBA Draft after just one season and fell to the Lakers in the second round. Had he spent another year with the Spartans, he may very well have been a lottery pick in 2023, but it seems relatively safe to say that his risky decision has paid off.

It will be interesting to monitor Christie's progress with the Mavericks, as he should get steady minutes in Jason Kidd's rotation.

However, he probably won't be starting. At least not right away.

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Matthew Schmidt
MATTHEW SCHMIDT

Matthew Schmidt is a sportswriter who covers NFL, MLB, NBA and college football and basketball. He has been writing professionally since 2011 and has also worked for Bleacher Report, FanRag Sports, ClutchPoints, NFLAnalysis.net and NBAAnalysis.net. He was born and raised in New Jersey and has a rather eclectic group of favorite teams: the Boston Celtics, New York Giants and Miami Marlins.