The Los Angeles Lakers would love to bring Max Christie back, and it could quickly become possible if the Dallas Mavericks don’t extend him. Christie is under contract for $8.2 million in the 2026-27 season with an $8.8 million player option for the following year. The 6’5 wing would command a non-taxpayer mid-level contract or more if he hit the open market. The Mavs can extend him until June 30, 2027. Many believe they will keep him long-term, but the deal has to get done.
Christie is eligible for a four-year, $92.8 million contract. That is a hefty price, but the 23-year-old will ask for every penny. He keeps improving and just shot over 40 percent from 3-point range. 3-and-D wings are difficult to find. There will be no shortage of suitors if he becomes available, and Christie would likely have interest in returning to the team that drafted him.
The Lakers sent Christie packing in the Luka Doncic trade. They couldn’t pass up a chance to land a top-five player in the world, but losing arguably Rob Pelinka’s best draft pick hurt. Christie would be a fantastic fit around Luka, and LA would love a reunion. Things get real if the Mavs can’t extend him before the trade deadline.
Lakers’ dream Max Christie reunion hinges on Mavericks’ extension decision
Nico Harrison traded for Christie, but Masai Ujiri is now running the basketball operations in Dallas. The 6’5 wing feels like a Masai player. The Mavs must decide to pay handsomely to keep him. If they offer his max, Christie likely signs it. Things could get interesting if Dallas tries to save money.
Christie is fresh off a career-best season. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.6 steals in 29.1 minutes per game. The 23-year-old did all that while shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range. Lakers fans know he can play stout defense and still has room to grow.
Christie has the size and athleticism that Luka maximizes. He could be the better version of Dorian Finney-Smith and Derrick Jones Jr. if he returns to Los Angeles. Luka already loves this roster, but the Lakers should always be improving.
Dallas is quickly in a difficult spot if Christie refuses to extend. The Mavs would have to shop him at the trade deadline to avoid losing him with zero return. Being a sharpshooter next to Cooper Flagg is appealing, but Christie may return to LA for a better shot at title contention. Luka is a top five player. Flagg may get there, but the teenager is likely multiple years away from reaching those heights. This all comes down to the extension talks, which should already be underway.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ dream Max Christie reunion hinges on the Dallas Mavericks failing to extend the talented wing. The pressure is on. The Mavs already traded away Anthony Davis and have just one first-round pick incoming from the Luka trade. Dallas fans are pinning their hopes on Christie salvaging the deal slightly.
The Lakers fleeced the Mavs, but even a small win could be big for the fans in Dallas. Christie will keep improving, and LA is rooting for his return. All fans can do is stay tuned for all the latest.
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