With the Dallas Mavericks losing to Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, 129-119, there was a ton of storyline to the contest. Such as Mavicks star Anthony Davis making his injury return to play the Lakers, it was also a first for rookie Cooper Flagg, facing off against LeBron James.
As Flagg would record a double-double in scoring 13 points while recording 11 assists to go along with seven rebounds and three steals, he would be asked after the game about going against James for the first time. He wouldn't hold back on the excitement, explaining how impressive it is to watch James play at 40 years old.
“It’s incredible, obviously, to see what he’s still able to do,” Flagg said, according to Mark Medina. “However old he is, it’s just incredible, and I think the best thing for him is, right now, how smart he is. He’s always the smartest, if not one of the smartest players on the court.”
“He played with such a high IQ, making the game easy on himself,” Flagg continued. “Tonight, especially, he didn’t do anything crazy; he didn’t have to. He just kept it simple and just made the smartest plays on every possession, and it just makes it easier for him out there.”
Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg on going against LeBron James pic.twitter.com/Csc9fo3Kx1
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 29, 2025
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg on how much he's grown
As Lakers guard Austin Reaves caused problems for the Mavericks in Friday night's loss, it was another game that showed the development of Flagg as an elite prospect. With no doubt that Dallas wants to build around him, there's been growth with the 18-year-old, even though he's only 18 years old, as he explains his comfort level.
“Just being comfortable. Taking what the defense gives me, playing with good pace. Just slowing down,” Flagg said, according to Nicole Ganglani. “Just be confident. Obviously, you're going to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Just play through it, be confident in making decisions, and trust instincts.”
At any rate, the Mavericks are 5-15, with Flagg and the team looking to get back in the win column on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
