It was Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka who also had head coach J.J. Redick on the line with a stunning message. Christie was told that he and nine-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis were in a blockbuster trade to the Dallas Mavericks for five-time All-Star Luka Doncic. Christie’s call came about 15 minutes before the world found out. To say that Christie was emotionally affected by the news then and now is an understatement. “I had my suspicions when I got that call,” Christie, 22, told Andscape after a 126-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. “The emotions at that moment obviously were pretty overwhelming. And then going back to the hotel room, I got zero seconds of sleep that night. I was up from 12 [a.m.] to 8:15 [a.m.] I had a flight the next morning at 8:30 to go to Dallas. I was in denial a little bit, at first. I can’t believe this is happening…
Source: Andscape
Source: Andscape
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
JJ Redick, a big Max Christie fan: “Max since the day I took the job was someone I was very high on; I feel very invested … he’s someone who was given more opportunity and became someone who starred in his role … really happy to see him succeeding.” – 3:06 PM
JJ Redick, a big Max Christie fan: “Max since the day I took the job was someone I was very high on; I feel very invested … he’s someone who was given more opportunity and became someone who starred in his role … really happy to see him succeeding.” – 3:06 PM
More on this storyline
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. -via Andscape / February 25, 2025
“If you look at the magnitude of that trade, it magnifies that emotion. So, I was shocked, man. I was on the floor in the hotel room for two hours just thinking about what was going on. I eventually came to my senses, obviously, and had to put one foot in front of the other and think about what I needed to do next. So far, I’ve had a good job just kind of settling in and just trying to stay present. That’s the biggest thing for me is just being present here, trying to help this team win games.” -via Andscape / February 25, 2025
Mike Trudell: JJ Redick, a big Max Christie fan: “Max since the day I took the job was someone I was very high on; I feel very invested … he’s someone who was given more opportunity and became someone who starred in his role … really happy to see him succeeding.” -via Twitter @LakersReporter / February 24, 2025