Lakers’ LeBron James says Cooper Flagg is ‘going to be amazing’

Soon-to-be Dallas Maverick Cooper Flagg has been praised by many pundits and analysts as one of the more talented prospects in recent years. The high levels of praise even extends to Flagg’s future peers in the NBA, or in this case, none other than LeBron James. 

Flagg will presumably join the Mavericks as the first-overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. Unlike your standard first-overall pick, Flagg will be joining a team that is looking to compete in 2026, and will be playing alongside the likes of Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and potentially Kyrie Irving should he return from injury. 

Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast, James explained why he believes Flagg is joining an ideal situation in Dallas that will allow him to thrive. 

“I personally think that he wants to be great,” James said. “And also, he has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that's established with Hall of Fame guys — Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving — right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd. You know, these guys are like, they can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be. And I think that will be an incredible thing to have that type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces. So, I think he's going to be amazing.” 

Flagg, and James spent time together as part of Team USA camp prior to the Olympics, where Flagg stood out amongst his peers on the Select Team when he was just 17-years-old.  

Flagg is coming off of an exceptional season at Duke that saw him win various awards such as AP Player of the Year, Wooden Award, Naismith Award, ACC Player of the Year, and be named a Consensus All-American. With high expectations, Flagg will be aiming to pick up where he left off in college, and start a similar legacy in the NBA right away.