The stars aligned for a reunion Friday night in Los Angeles as the Lakers defeated the Mavericks 129-119, fueled by 38 points from Austin Reaves and 35 from Luka Dončić.
This matchup carried extra weight because Dončić was traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers in February as part of a blockbuster three-team deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
How Does Luka Dončić View Cooper Flagg’s Potential?
Davis, who has been injured most of the 2024-25 campaign, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in the loss.
Although Davis was Dallas’ prize in the trade, the franchise’s trajectory shifted dramatically when they won the draft lottery and secured the chance to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the consensus top pick. Like any rookie, Flagg has experienced struggles, but he has also shown flashes of why scouts believed he was the best player in the 2025 NBA Draft.
With Flagg now in Dallas rather than Davis or Kyrie Irving, many believe the rookie is in line to be the face of the Mavericks franchise. Consequently, there is growing sentiment that Dallas should start moving veterans like Davis to build a young core around their new star. If the Mavericks decide to turn the team over to Flagg, he will receive more opportunities and responsibility. However, this shift also comes with greater pressure, creating valid arguments for both sides of the strategy.
Given Dallas’ dismal 5-15 start to the season, many observers believe the Mavericks will ultimately decide to move on from their veterans. Part of that pressure stems from the fact that Flagg would essentially be replacing Dončić as the face of the organization, and Mavericks fans remain very upset that they dealt Dončić last season.
After Friday night’s game, Dončić, who leads the league in scoring at 35.1 points per game, didn’t add pressure to Flagg (at least not after the game) but instead offered words of encouragement.
Asked Luka Doncic about Cooper Flagg:
“I think he’s a good player. Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the 1st pick so he has a lot on his shoulder, but I think he will become a great player.”
He was also asked about Flagg’s playmaking. The Mavs rookie had 11… pic.twitter.com/MTrjDTeQbc
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) November 29, 2025
“I think he’s a good player,” Dončić said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the 1st pick so he has a lot on his shoulder, but I think he will become a great player.”
Dončić was asked about Flagg’s playmaking, specifically regarding his 11 assists Friday night. “Just probably getting in the paint, looking for his teammates,” Dončić explained. “Obviously he’s not the number one position, point guard, but I think he’s getting his teammates involved great.”
Flagg has played some point guard this season as Dallas tests his broad skillset, especially with Irving’s return from a torn ACL uncertain. Though Dončić notes Flagg may not remain a point guard permanently, the experiment provides valuable experience and a significant learning opportunity.
Through the early part of the season, Flagg is averaging 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 33.7 minutes per game.
