With the Dallas Mavericks moving on from Nico Harrison, the rest of the NBA is quickly trying to figure out what comes next. Most are (safely) assuming the Mavericks will give their roster a makeover before the eventual NBA trade deadline comes to pass in February.
The most intriguing name that has been heavily fixated upon would be Anthony Davis. The aging star does not match the Cooper Flagg timeline in Dallas. NBA insiders like Marc Stein have already started the whispers of Davis and the Mavericks discussing an early split from their union.
Stein wrote, "It's believed the Mavericks will work with Davis' camp over the next two-plus months as they decide whether to pursue an in-season trade. ... The parties are thus expected to work in concert to some degree on next steps."
The uncertainty around Davis' future in Dallas has everyone wondering where the former champion could land next. Some have even suggested a trip back to Hollywood could make sense. Spoiler: it really doesn't. If the Los Angeles Lakers were going to recoup any of their former players from the Mavericks, it should be Max Christie.
Max Christie's skill set would slide right back into Los Angeles perfectly
When discussing the Luka Doncic trade, most will often fixate on the two franchise cornerstones involved. Many will, rightfully, criticize the Mavericks' choice to swap their former rising superstar for an aging star. Christie often gets lost in the shuffle entirely.
Maybe the lack of publicity could be viewed as a good thing in some ways. However, it has also left Christie flying under the radar completely for just how much he continues to grow as an NBA pro.
The biggest point of criticism the Mavericks have drawn in their early struggles has been the abysmal offensive display from the team. Those shortcomings have quietly eluded Christie, who is enjoying a career year to start 2025-26.
Thus far in the new season, the Mavericks wing is averaging 13.0 points per game. The scoring efficiency looks tremendous. Christie is posting a career high 64.0 true shooting percentage, largely aided by his ridiculous 45.7 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game.
The former Laker has easily been the most reliable perimeter outlet on the Mavericks. Christie is leading Dallas in both catch-and-shoot makes, at 2.4 per game, and the percentage as well, connecting on 49.2 of those attempts. That is something Los Angeles is craving right now.
On top of the excellent shooting display, Christie remains a solid defensive option on the perimeter. If the Lakers are going to be exploring a reunion of any sort with the Mavericks, this is the call to make. It's mostly a matter of whether Dallas wants to entertaining parting with a young, cost-friendly player amid a rebuild.