Feb 13, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lakers Fans Call Out Darvin Ham Following Rise of Max Christie

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Now-Dallas Mavericks swingman Max Christie is enjoying a breakout third season.

Under first Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and now Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, the 3-and-D shooting guard has emerged as real two-way threat, the kind of player Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka clearly hoped he would become when he took a flier on Christie with the No. 35 pick out of Michigan State in 2022.

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This year, the 6-foot-6 pro is averaging 9.5 points on .453/.383/.845 shooting splits, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 52 bouts (27 starts) between the two clubs. He may be the most exciting young piece to have been added in the Mavericks' blockbuster trade to offload Luka Doncic, given that 31-year-old vet Anthony Davis is already injured.

Understandably, the rise of Christie this year has prompted Lakers fans to lash out at ex-Los Angeles head coach Darvin Ham for his handling of the 22-year-old during the latter's first two Lakers seasons.

Dawg I hate Darvin Ham. Max coulda been here last year even:(
— John, #LakeShow (32-20) (@Lakerszn824) February 17, 2025

Christie has been given more freedom as a scorer on a very injured Mavericks team. Ham was targeted as the biggest thing holding Christie back in that department with L.A. — even though he played 46 games with the Lakers under Redick this season.

no. blame darvin ham. https://t.co/Oh109l6NQt
— tlovis scott. (@letlotlom_) February 17, 2025

Lakers and Dodgers sneakers creator and superfan Golden Knight chastised Ham for keeping Christie tethered to the bench and out of his rotations basically since L.A.'s midseason flurry of trades during Christie's 2022-23 rookie season.

Darvin Ham robbed us of enjoying more time seeing Max Christie play & develop. Will always root for Max to do well https://t.co/nz99LeIOHt
— GoldenKnight (@GoldenKnightGFX) February 3, 2025

Ham prioritized veteran Taurean Prince, a more proven 3-and-D wing, and even Cam Reddish over Christie this year.

I love seeing Max Christie's growth this season—both in LA and now in Dallas.

If anything, his growth is yet another indictment against Darvin Ham's coaching last season. Ham was content to leave Max buried on the bench while giving guys like Taurean Prince starter minutes. https://t.co/mgmcFPuqFT
— Michael Brumagin (@MBrumagin) February 14, 2025

One optimistic fan was so amped for Christie's ascent in Dallas that they predicted Christie wouldn't just be good — Christie could be great.

Lakers fans will never ever forgive Darvin Ham pockets for burying Max on the bench last season. Christie gonna be HIM soon https://t.co/GT8PWPk0Gr
— Si (@nomisDAY) February 15, 2025

Another fan still holds something of a perpetual grudge over Ham's questionable decision to de-prioritize Christie's growth.

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Ham is now an assistant coach under Doc Rivers on the Milwaukee Bucks. Prince, by the way, is now a starter for Milwaukee.

I will never forgive Darvin Ham for refusing to play Max Christie. He really had bums playing over Max last season smh
— Kere (@dulcisnaya) February 8, 2025

Another NBA appreciator had even harsher words for Ham.