Anthony Davis becomes 100% real after Lakers trade

The the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and brought Anthony Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks reshaped both teams overnight. In a conversation with Mavericks reporter Noah Weber, Davis offered a rare honesty on the emotional swing that followed, from shock to stability, as he adjusted to life in Dallas. The Mavericks entered a new era with Davis under center and Christie on the wingwhile Luka’s departure to the Lakers closed a decisive chapter. The move had weight. Davis didn’t pretend otherwise.

Anthony Davis on how he’s been through the ups and downs of the last 10 months since being traded for Max Christie:

“We handle this in our own way. He plays golf to relieve stress, I don’t. A little. Pretty well actually… We haven’t really talked about it… But he’s found his… pic.twitter.com/z5EFihndji

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) December 13, 2025

“We’re handling this in our own way,” Davis said. “He plays golf to sort of relieve the stress, I don’t. A little. Pretty good actually.” The early part was quiet for the Mavericks. The shock lasted. “We haven’t really talked about it,” Davis admitted. When the trade happened, words seemed useless. “There was nothing I could really tell him to help him understand the business, especially when it was a shock. Christie was young. The moment hit quickly. Dallas felt unfamiliar. The pressure remained loud around the Mavericks.

Time did the job for the Mavericks. Max Christie has found his circle. He adapted. “He’s found his guys, he’s found his ways to handle trades,” Davis said. Change came naturally in the Mavericks locker room. Confidence followed comfort.

For the Mavericks, growth is a priority

Anthony Davis saw the change before anyone asked about it. “He’s coming out of that shell now, he’s talking more,” he said. The difference showed on the floor. The rhythm is back. The hesitation was gone. “I think he came out better,” Davis added. Then the praise clearly landed. “He’s one of the best 3-point shooters in the league now.”

For the Mavericks, that growth is important. Luka Dončić is gone, but faith still moves the room. Davis sounds calm. Christie looks free. The adjustment was not instantaneous. It’s deserved.

Dallas didn’t just make a blockbuster. He also absorbed the human side of it. And if this is what progress looks like before everything fully clicks, what’s next when the Mavericks finally hit their stride?