Max Christie ‘looking forward’ to returning to Los Angeles, playing Lakers

While the headlines are going to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis, Max Christie is also returning to Los Angeles and is excited for the homecoming.

Tuesday’s showdown between the Lakers and Mavs will draw attention because it’s Luka Dončić’s first meeting with the team that traded him. However, former Lakers are returning to Los Angeles for the first time as well.

Anthony Davis, obviously, is going to get attention, too. But Max Christie also returns to face the team that drafted him and where he broke out this season. After being spoken of so highly by head coach JJ Redick early in the season, Christie became an important part of the Lakers as they turned things around.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Christie spoke with Marc Spears of Andscape about his feelings in returning to Los Angeles.

While tonight’s matchup could have a revenge type of feel for Doncic, Christie views it as a “homecoming game” that he wants to win.

“I’m not even looking at this game as a ‘revenge game,’” Christie said. “I’m actually looking forward to it from a sense that I get to see old teammates, old colleagues, old coaches. I’m looking forward to just enjoying that game. I want to win, obviously. The Lakers are a playoff team. They’re really, really good. It’s a good test for us as a matchup, as a team as well.

“But I’m not going in there with any bad blood or any intention of trying to drop 40 on them. I’m just going in there to try to win the game, play my game and let the game come to me. I’m not going to go out there and force 25 shots. That’s not what this game is about. That’s not what I’m about.”

This is one of the rare trades in which all players involved, including Christie, will be welcomed by their former fanbase.

He was someone the fans clamored for under Darvin Ham last season and enjoyed seeing blossom this season. Even when he struggled at the beginning of the season, few fans really soured on him.

When you get a chance to trade for Luka, you do it. But the Lakers parted with two valuable pieces of their starting lineup in the process. With Christie, it’s a homegrown player that the team saw as part of the future and those are always tough to see go.

Fortunately, fans will have the chance to show their appreciation for him on Tuesday.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.