LeBron James offered high praise for projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg during a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast.
Speaking after training alongside Flagg with Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics, James pointed to the 18-year-old forward’s all-around skillset and his approach to the game.
“I personally think that he wants to be great,” James said, via HoopsHype. “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.”
The four-time NBA champion went on to highlight Flagg’s shooting potential and elite athleticism.
“His jump shot is going to continue to get better. Super athletic, quick second jump,” James added. “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.”
Dallas has zeroed in on Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and has not hosted any other prospects. The 6-foot-9 forward completed a private workout with the Mavericks earlier this week.
Flagg met with team officials on Tuesday and scrimmaged with Dallas players on Wednesday. Sources described his performance as “unreal.”
Flagg’s shooting, once a question mark, reportedly impressed team staff. Dallas views him as a versatile two-way addition who could immediately complement its frontcourt.
James also pointed to the Mavericks’ infrastructure as an ideal landing spot for Flagg’s development.
“Hall of Fame coach Jason Kidd. These guys can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be,” James said.
The Maine native declared for the draft after a standout freshman season at Duke and strong showings at the NBA Draft Combine. He has not scheduled workouts with other teams, including the Spurs, 76ers, Hornets, or Jazz.
With the Mavericks pivoting to a new core following Luka Doncic’s departure, Flagg is expected to join a roster led by Davis, Thompson, and Irving. Dallas went 39–43 this season and earned the top pick via the lottery.
The 2025 NBA Draft begins today.
