LA Lakers forward LeBron James picks Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg similarly like the six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard. He said this when he had a conversation with Steve Nash on a Tuesday edition of the "Mind The Game" podcast.
“He can almost take the Kawhi [Leonard] route,” James said. [Start from 26:36] “We never saw Kawhi in any bad position out in his first couple of years. …He learned at his own pace. He’s there with multiple Hall of Famers. It’s the same with Cooper [Flagg].”
LeBron James has previously appreciated Cooper Flagg. On one edition of his "Mind The Game" podcast, he mentioned Flagg's ability to play with or without the ball. The four-time champion contrasted Flagg's circumstance with his own experience as a rookie, where he noted the 2025 No.1 pick will join an established team with Hall of Fame players.
Flagg was selected with the first pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Mavericks, after they won the draft lottery despite very low chances (about 1.8%). He arrived in the league following a successful college season at Duke Blue Devils, where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.
He will make his league debut when the Mavericks kick off their season with a home clash against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
What is next for Cooper Flagg after praise from LeBron James?
Cooper Flagg kicks off his career as a professional with high expectations. Mavericks are currently considering him to try him with different roles, possibly as a ball-handler, point wing or an inside-out player.
The coaching staff will determine how quickly to lean on him as a major player. How he will adjust from playing in college to the league will also test his composure. However, he will have to improve certain things, like his consistency in shooting and decision-making under high pressure, to unlock his full potential.