At this point in the 2025-26 season, Cooper Flagg has proven to the NBA why he was the top pick in the 2025 draft. Since joining the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg has lived up to expectations, at least when it comes to his individual performance.
His numbers are on par with some former All-Stars in the league and have kept him in the Rookie of the Year race all season. A former NBA champion believes Flagg’s talent is comparable to one of the all-time greats in the league’s history.
Kendrick Perkins Compares Cooper Flagg to LeBron James
One-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins publicly compared Mavericks rookie Flagg to LeBron James.
Flagg’s numbers this season are comparable to what James put up in his rookie year. The Mavericks rookie is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. That is close to what LeBron averaged in his first season, when he put up 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
When comparing Flagg to James, Perkins factored out athleticism. The one-time champion believes Flagg is a less athletic version of The King.
“I’m saying keep the main thing the main thing,” Perkins said. “The main thing is Cooper Flagg. The white version of LeBron James, minus the athleticism.”
After making those comments, former NBA champions Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye appeared bewildered. Flagg can undoubtedly be compared to James. However, Jefferson and Frye questioned why Perkins believes the Mavericks rookie is not athletic.
“Let me be very clear,” Jefferson responded. “I’m on with Cooper Flagg. But when you’re saying he’s LeBron minus the athleticism, the boy’s athletic. I would say Luka (Dončić) is the LeBron minus the athleticism.”
“The white version of LeBron James minus the athleticism.”
— Kendrick Perkins on Cooper Flagg
(via @RoadTrippinShow, h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/DpUTRTJfPh
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 14, 2026
During the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Flagg posted a 35.5-inch maximum vertical jump in Chicago, which was less than James’ 40-inch vertical. However, Flagg’s athleticism is not the reason he went No. 1 overall. His solid all-around play, especially his defense, which is top-notch for a teenager, set him apart.
Flagg has been known for his thunderous dunks this season. When struggling to find an open shot, he often attacks the basket for rim-rattling finishes, something James has done throughout his career.
Whatever the case may be, whether Perkins is right with his comments or not, there is no denying Flagg is a deserving candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
