Mavericks could land unexpected shot at Max Christie revenge on Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks are on a four-game winning streak, their longest streak of the season. A big part of their success is Max Christie's 3-point shooting. The young sharpshooter is having one of his best seasons, as he has elevated his game to the next level. He is playing with a chip on his shoulder after the Los Angeles Lakers traded him as part of the Luka Doncic trade and is turning into one of the best young shooters in the league.

Yet, Christie has a vital chance to get back at that team that traded him. If the Mavs' guard participates in the 3-Point Contest that takes place during All-Star Weekend, then it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase what the Lakers are missing out on. Remember, the game is in Los Angeles (even though it's at the Intuit Dome, the LA Clippers' home stadium), so it would allow Christie to prove why he should never been traded.

However, if the opportunity to clap back at his old team isn't enough reason for Christie to partake in the event, then his recent support and shooting numbers should be enough. He is also open to participating in the competition, and the NBA should definitely consider asking the fourth-year sharpshooter to give it a shot.

Max Christie welcomes chance to shine in Lakers' backyard

"That’d be great," Christie said when asked about the potential to participate in the 3-Point Contest. "That’d be super cool. Something I definitely wouldn’t turn down. Something that would be a dream come true for me and if I get the nod, that would be amazing. If not, I’m still grateful for the season I’m having so far."

Recently, rookie Cooper Flagg was interviewed about the opportunity to take part in the All-Star weekend festivities. One competition that got brought up was the 3-Point Contest, something Flagg felt best suited Christie. He believes his young teammate has the skills to be competitive in the competition.

Flagg, though, has a point. Christie should easily be a competitor in the shooting contest. The Dallas guard has been on a shooting spree the past three games, as he has been a key contributor during the team's winning streak.

For example, against the Utah Jazz on January 17, Christie shot 50 percent from beyond the 3-point line and made three threes. This was an improvement from the last game that he had played in before he caught an illness, when he struggled shooting the ball.

His best shooting performance, though, came after the Jazz game. Against the New York Knicks earlier this week, Christie was lights out. He converted 80 percent of his 3-point attempts, as he made eight out of his 10 3-point shots. It was a career-high for 3-pointers made in a game for the Mavs' guard. His performance proved to the NBA that he is already one of the top shooters in the league, something Dallas shouldn't take lightly.

Christie has shown he can be a perfect complement paired alongside Flagg. He can be a vital part of the Mavs' future, as his recent surge and consistency all season long should be enough reason for Dallas to make him untradable ahead of the trade deadline.

Not to mention, Christie is having the best season of his career, and Jason Kidd has found the perfect way to help him flourish in his role. He is shooting 45.7 percent from the 3-point line, a career high and a 9.1 percent increase from the previous year. He has shown a tremendous amount of confidence this season, taking way more 3-pointers per game than any other season and growing as a three-level scorer, as Christie has been a silver lining in the infamous Doncic trade.

Remember, Mavs fans were heartbroken after Doncic was traded just under a year ago. They were fed up with the franchise and frustrated when Anthony Davis failed to win them over. However, Christie's recent success could be enough reason to help ease the pain and give fans hope of a bright future. His hot shooting numbers could be the perfect resolution to a hopeful future, as he looks like a young star in the making.

So, maybe his participation in the 3-Point Contest could be the icing on the cake. It would allow Christie to get back at the team that traded him in the Lakers, as the buzz is going to be loud with the All-Star Game back in LA for the first time since 2018. Plus, it would be a shining light for a franchise that has endured so much turmoil over the past year.

Now, all that's left is for Christie to be called up to be a participant.