When does Cooper Flagg play against LeBron James, Lakers?

Coming out of college this year, Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg was one of the most highly hyped prospects since, well, LeBron James all the way back in 2003.

Sure, there have been other players who have generated a ton of buzz before ever stepping foot on an NBA floor – Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama, to name a few. But Flagg is certainly toward the top of the list. He was basically the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft before he played his single college season at Duke, and that status never waivered throughout his campaign with the Blue Devils.

When the Mavericks got the opportunity, they didn’t hesitate to use their coveted top pick on Flagg and make him the de facto face of the franchise. There was a bit of a learning curve, but Flagg has gotten his career off to a very solid start. In 17 games played so far, Flagg is averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per performance.  

LeBron, Lakers to host Cooper Flagg, Mavericks for NBA Cup game on Nov. 28

One particular game on the schedule that NBA fans will be interested to see is the first career meeting between Flagg and James – two No. 1 overall picks from 22 years apart. Luckily, fans won’t have to wait too long for that matchup, as the Lakers are set to host the Mavericks in an NBA Cup game next Friday night (Nov. 28). That game will be available to watch on Prime Video.

James, who missed the first several weeks of the season due to sciatica, recently returned to action for the Lakers. So, barring another injury or a rest day, James should be available for his first battle with Flagg.

James had some high praise for Flagg after he was selected by the Mavericks back in June.

"I personally think that he wants to be great," James said of Flagg. "He had a hell of a year at Duke. A guy that can do so many different things out on the floor. Can play with the ball, can play without the ball. His jump shot is going to continue to get better. Super athletic, quick second jump. … So, I think he's going to be amazing."

The fact that James is even around to play in a game against the top pick from ’25 is a testament to his longevity. It will be a cool moment for both of them and basketball fans alike.

The Mavericks and Lakers will also meet two other times later in the season. The Mavs will host the Lakers on Jan. 24 and the team will play in L.A. again on Feb. 12.