LeBron James Endorses Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks Fit: ‘He’s Going to Be Amazing'”
LeBron James Believes Cooper Flagg Will Be ‘Amazing’ With the Mavericks — Here’s Why
The NBA’s all-time scoring leader, four-time MVP, and generational icon LeBron James has seen it all—but when he speaks, especially about rising talent, the basketball world listens. On the latest episode of Mind the Game, the podcast he co-hosts with Hall of Famer Steve Nash, LeBron delivered a powerful endorsement of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, who went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
According to LeBron, Flagg is in a far better position than he himself was when entering the league, and he fully expects the 19-year-old to be “amazing” in his rookie campaign and beyond.
A King’s Stamp of Approval
Reflecting on Flagg’s transition to the pros, James pointed out that unlike his own entrance into a rebuilding Cavaliers team straight from high school in 2003, Flagg steps into a ready-made contender stacked with Hall of Fame-caliber talent.
“He has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that’s established, with Hall of Fame guys,” LeBron said. “Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach Jason Kidd. These guys can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be.”
The legendary forward emphasized the importance of veteran leadership and stability for a young star. “That type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day… I think he’s going to be incredible.”
High praise from one of the greatest players to ever touch the hardwood.
Cooper Flagg: College Dominance and Pro Readiness
Flagg’s journey to the No. 1 pick was fueled by a historic freshman season at Duke. The 6-foot-9 forward did it all for the Blue Devils, averaging:
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19.2 points
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7.5 rebounds
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4.2 assists
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1.4 steals
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1.4 blocks
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38.5% shooting from three
He wasn’t just a versatile threat—he was the National Player of the Year, dominating both ends of the floor and proving himself as the most NBA-ready freshman since Zion Williamson.
Now, as he begins his pro career with Dallas, the stakes and spotlight are massive—but Flagg’s ceiling might be even bigger.
Why Dallas Is the Perfect Landing Spot
Landing in Dallas could be a career-defining gift for Flagg. While most No. 1 picks are tasked with carrying struggling franchises, Flagg steps into a Mavericks roster loaded with star power and championship pedigree.
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Klay Thompson brings championship DNA and off-ball shooting mentorship.
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Anthony Davis offers defensive guidance and frontcourt leadership.
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Kyrie Irving provides elite shot creation and late-game experience.
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Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard himself, knows how to nurture generational talent.
Surrounded by this elite cast, Flagg will be able to grow at his own pace, learn from the best, and avoid the pressure-cooker solo act most top picks endure.
LeBron’s Words Signal a Changing of the Guard
What makes LeBron’s comments even more significant is the context. At 40, James is entering the twilight of his career. His admiration for Flagg isn’t just praise—it reads like a passing of the torch to the next generation.
James didn’t just compare Flagg to himself; he highlighted how the forward’s environment could help him exceed even the highest expectations.
“This kid has the blueprint, and now he’s surrounded by guys who already lived it,” James said. “That’s a cheat code.”
The NBA’s Next Superstar?
While it’s far too early to project Cooper Flagg’s career trajectory with certainty, the stars seem aligned. With the full backing of basketball’s greatest ambassador, a powerful rookie resume, and a dream team around him, Flagg is walking into the NBA with a rare combination of talent, opportunity, and support.
LeBron has seen every type of star rise and fall. For him to declare that Flagg is going to be “amazing” means one thing: the Mavericks may have just drafted the face of the league’s future.
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