Mavericks are making a Max Christie realization that Lakers fans can't ignore

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the most shocking trade in NBA history on the evening of February 1 when Dallas sent Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

No one knew that the Mavericks were even looking to trade Doncic, and rather than shopping him around the league, Nico Harrison only went to Rob Pelinka about this move. Harrison wanted Davis badly, and he went out and got his guy at the cost of a 25-year-old generational superstar in Doncic.

Davis had an outstanding debut for Dallas before going down with an adductor injury, but the other part of the trade, Christie, has been outstanding ever since he arrived in Dallas as well. Through five games with the Mavericks, Christie is averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from downtown.

He has been a pleasant surprise for Dallas, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in less than two weeks. Christie's fit into Dallas' offense is seamless, as he is an exceptional shooter off the catch and can create for himself when needed.

Mavericks are proving Lakers fans right about Max Christie

The Mavericks are quickly starting to realize that Christie is an elite role player, and Lakers fans have known this forever. They were crushed when Los Angeles traded him to Dallas, and they knew that there was another level in his game that he could reach. Christie was finally coming into his role with Los Angeles, as he started in 25 games on the wing this season before they traded him, and Jason Kidd is realizing that he can handle whatever role is given to him. He is much more than a 3-and-D wing, and Mavericks fans saw that firsthand last night.

Last night against the Golden State Warriors, Christie finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal while shooting 6-12 from the field, and he is growing in front of everyone's eyes. Lakers fans knew that Christie was capable of taking this leap, as he played amazingly before Los Angeles traded him to Dallas, and we saw his role increase significantly on Wednesday night.

Christie ended up finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal while shooting 6-12 from the field, and some big plays from him in the clutch helped Dallas earn the win. He has now scored 15+ points in each of his five games as a Maverick, and his game and role are slowly evolving with the help of Kidd.

Christie was handing the ball more than we've ever seen on Wednesday compared to his first four games as a Maverick, and he looked comfortable when getting to the rim and finishing through contact. He truly almost always makes the right play, and Kidd's trust in him over his first 11 days as a Maverick has been evident.

Christie talked about how much he appreciates Kidd's trust in him after the game and said that handling the ball down the stretch that much was a "good learning experience,", and this is only preparing him for what's to come.

The way Christie has been playing on both ends of the floor ever since arriving in Dallas could earn him a full-time starting spot if he can keep this up, and playing heavy minutes in these clutch games is major for his player development. He is truly unfazed, even when the pressure is high, and he has turned into a glorious hidden gem from the Davis-Doncic trade.

He may never be a star in this league, but if he can be an elite role player and make big plays as he has been, then the Mavericks are going to be in a great position.