Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
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Cooper Flagg reacts to a three point shot during the first half of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On October 15th, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Dallas Mavericks, 121-94. Given that the Lakers started Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura, the result was predictable.
Dallas, on the other hand, started all of their healthy stars. Cooper Flagg did not have his best outing, finishing with 11 ineffecient points and two rebounds.
While Flagg didn’t exactly shine, the Lakers had nothing but good things to say about him after the game.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives past Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Rave About Cooper Flagg
Flagg has been touted as a generational talent on both ends of the floor, and he has shown high-level flashes already in the preseason. He is expected to have a massive role on the Mavericks right away.
His opponents will readily admit that he is living up to the hype.
“He’s a talented kid,” offered Vincent after the game. “I think he has a great motor. He can step in and play right away.And as a young player, I think that’s a tough thing to do. But he knows how to play off the ball. He made some good reads tonight.He’s an athlete. He’s got a bright future.”
Vincent was largely guarded by Flagg, especially late in the game. He led the team with 22 points, showcasing that he has a role on the Lakers even after Marcus Smart was added this summer.
Flagg was unable to slow Vincent, a career role-player, down, although that doesn’t mean the Mavericks are under any pressure regarding his future.
Impossible to Compare Flagg to NBA Legends
The list of NBA stars Flagg has been compared to is long. Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, and Larry Bird all make the cut, among others.
After getting to see him play firsthand, JJ Redick is not ready to compare him to anyone in particular, showering praise on the youngster.
“He doesn’t really remind me of anybody,” Redick confessed. “I know the Grant Hill comparison is getting thrown out a lot right now, but Cooper is his own special player.I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18-year-olds. He’s a worker, and I expect he’ll develop into a really good shooter. But those are the two things that just stand out right away.He just has such a good feel for the game.”
Flagg will make his regular-season debut on October 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. He will get his first look against Luka Doncic on November 28 in Los Angeles during the NBA in-season tournament. Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves all missed the game against Dallas.