The Dallas Mavericks concluded their preseason with a resounding win over a severely depleted Los Angeles Lakers squad, highlighted by a promising 13-point outing from rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. With the absence of stars like Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Bronny James, this game offered a clearer look at Flagg’s adaptability and the developing team dynamics under Coach Jason Kidd.
The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for the official start of the NBA season, and their final preseason game provided a positive outlook, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 121-94 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg was a key contributor, notching 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 28 minutes, his longest run of the preseason.
While the score reflected a dominant Mavericks performance, the contest was notably missing significant star power. The Lakers were severely short-handed, with key players like Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Bronny James all sitting out. This allowed Flagg and other Mavericks to showcase their evolving roles and potential, especially as the team looks to integrate its highly anticipated rookie.
Cooper Flagg’s Evolving Role and Preseason Journey
From his highly anticipated Summer League debut to the preseason finale, Cooper Flagg’s journey with the Dallas Mavericks has been one of adaptation and learning. In his Summer League debut against the Lakers, Flagg struggled from the floor, converting only 5 of 21 shots, but still managed 10 points along with six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Despite the shooting woes, Bronny James, who also played in that Summer League matchup, praised Flagg, calling him “something special.”
Mavs coach Jason Kidd has been instrumental in shaping Flagg’s early development. Following an impressive preseason performance from veteran center Anthony Davis, Kidd made it clear that Davis would be the offensive anchor, shifting Flagg into a secondary, learning role. This strategic adjustment allows the 19-year-old forward to ease into the physical and mental demands of the NBA, playing off Davis’s game rather than shouldering the primary offensive burden immediately.
Flagg’s maturity has been evident in his willingness to embrace this role, stating, “I have to find a way to help AD more, play off him a little better. Help him impact the game when he’s posting up or getting his isos. I’ve got to find a way to help him a little bit more.” This approach highlights a team-first mentality crucial for a rookie’s success.
In the final preseason game, Flagg demonstrated flashes of his immense potential, particularly early on while running the point. Highlights included a perfect backdoor cut leading to a two-handed slam and a wild and-one layup where he expertly worked Dalton Knecht in the post. These plays offer a glimpse into the versatile skill set that made him the number one pick.
The Lakers’ Depleted Roster and Vincent’s Solo Effort
The Los Angeles Lakers entered their final preseason game with a significantly short-handed roster, impacting the competitive balance of the matchup. Key absences included:
- Luka Dončić: Rested from a back-to-back preseason outing, despite logging 25 points and seven rebounds in the previous game.
- LeBron James: Sidelined due to sciatica in his right side, an injury expected to keep him out for 3-4 weeks and miss the team’s opening night. According to a Yahoo Sports report, his return is anticipated in mid-November.
- Bronny James: Out with a minor right ankle sprain, though not considered a long-term issue. He had played in the Lakers’ past four preseason games, including a seven-point, four-rebound performance just the day before.
- Other Key Absences: The Lakers also missed Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Jarred Vanderbilt left the game in the second half due to a quad contusion.
Despite the depleted lineup, Gabe Vincent briefly ignited the Lakers’ offense. He started the night on fire, sinking his first five three-point attempts and finishing the first half with 22 points, propelling the Lakers to a 13-point lead. However, Vincent’s scoring dried up in the second half, and the Lakers ultimately succumbed to the Mavericks’ late surge. Rui Hachimura contributed 19 points, and Jaxson Hayes added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles.
The Mavericks’ Dominant Finish
Despite the Lakers holding an early advantage, the Dallas Mavericks slowly chipped away at the lead and unleashed an explosive fourth-quarter performance. The Mavericks outscored the Lakers by a staggering 37-8 in the final period, sealing a dominant 27-point win. This late-game surge underscores the team’s depth and potential, even without their full complement of stars.
Beyond Flagg, Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 18 points and nine rebounds on 7 of 15 shooting, demonstrating why Coach Kidd views him as the team’s anchor. Dereck Lively added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while P.J. Washington contributed 13 points. These collective efforts highlight a balanced attack that will be critical as the team transitions into the regular season.
Historical Context: The Pivotal Trade and Flagg’s Arrival
The current landscape of the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, as presented in the provided articles, is shaped by a significant fictionalized event: the “stunning trade” that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. This pivotal move dramatically altered the trajectory of both franchises. For the Mavericks, this trade eventually led to them winning the NBA Draft Lottery for the first time in franchise history, allowing them to select Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Winning the NBA Draft Lottery is a transformative event for any franchise, offering the chance to acquire a generational talent. The lottery system, designed to give teams with poorer records a better chance at high draft picks, can fundamentally change a team’s future. For more details on how the NBA Draft Lottery works, you can refer to the official NBA explainer.
Flagg, a former Duke star, was highly touted heading into the draft. His presence on the Mavericks, alongside veteran Anthony Davis, creates a compelling blend of experience and youthful energy. The fan community has been buzzing about the potential of this new Dallas lineup, especially with the strategic depth that Flagg brings, even in a developing role.
Looking Ahead: Real Matchups on the Horizon
While this preseason game offered an early look at Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks, the true test will come in the regular season. Fans won’t have to wait long for the rivalry to heat up:
- The Lakers will host the Mavericks on November 28.
- Luka Dončić and the Lakers will head to Dallas on January 24.
These matchups promise to be far more intense and exciting, especially once LeBron James returns to full strength and Cooper Flagg fully settles into his role in the league. The stage is set for a thrilling season, with the Mavericks’ new-look roster, anchored by Davis and energized by Flagg, ready to challenge the league’s best.
