Max Christie

Christie is an American guard who entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2022 and spent his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in 2023. A five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, he showed defensive promise and shooting flashes before moving to the Dallas Mavericks.

Born Cormac Karl Christie Jr. on February 10, 2003, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, he attended Rolling Meadows High School, where he was teammates with his younger brother Cameron. As a freshman, he averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. As a sophomore, he averaged 25.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.2 assists and scored a career-high 51 points against Elk Grove High School. As a senior, he averaged 24 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.1 steals and led Rolling Meadows to a 15-0 record. He was named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, and was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.

Christie committed to Michigan State on July 7, 2020, over offers from Duke, Villanova, and Ohio State. As a freshman, he averaged 9.3 points and 3.5 rebounds and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. On April 1, 2022, he declared for the NBA draft while maintaining college eligibility, and on May 16, he announced he would hire an agent and remain in the draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Christie with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 8, 2022, and spent two seasons with the Lakers, averaging 3.1 points as a rookie and seeing increased minutes as a sophomore. On December 9, 2023, he won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament with the Lakers. He re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $32 million deal on July 2, 2024, but was later traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

Christie is a two-way guard with size, shooting potential, and defensive versatility. He moves well without the ball, spots up from three, and uses his length to bother perimeter opponents. His development focus centers on consistency as a shooter and creator off the dribble. He projects as a three-and-D rotation player who can complement star backcourt players.