LeBron James gets real about Cooper Flagg joining Mavericks

LeBron James and Steve Nash discussed the Dallas Mavericks landing the superstar from Duke and how lucky he is.

Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks can officially end speculation tomorrow night, when they will take Cooper Flagg at the top of the NBA Draft. It's a unique opportunity for both sides, as Flagg gets to join a team wanting to contend for a championship with established stars, and Dallas gets a young piece to plan the future around after it looked bleak in the fallout of the Luka Doncic trade.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Steve Nash discussed Flagg joining the Mavericks on the most recent episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, with James seeming impressed with the 18-year-old.

READ MORE: Celtics send expected Mavericks trade target to unexpected team

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after making a last second shot to end the first half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

"I personally think that he wants to be great," James started. "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.

"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're 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." 

.@Cooper_Flagg has all the tools to succeed in the next chapter of his career.

Full NBA Draft episode out now. Watch on our YouTube, @PrimeVideo or listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://t.co/zrL3uCQPj0 pic.twitter.com/i0cKtDBBlI

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 24, 2025

James saw Flagg firsthand at the Team USA training camp last offseason, with Flagg coming in for the Select Team. Flagg made a big impact on everyone there, solidifying his status as the player to watch in the upcoming college season, and he lived up to the standard.

LeBron James did seem a little jealous of how much talent Flagg will be playing with, as LeBron's first Cavaliers team was a mess. The team had won just 17 games the season before, with the second-leading scorer in his rookie year being Ricky Davis, someone who played for four teams in the six years after that before flaming out.

READ MORE: Mavericks sign key piece to $54 million extension amid trade rumors

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