Luka Doncic and Cooper Flagg were among the high-level contributors featured in the NBA’s blockbuster Friday night matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.
While Doncic stole the show by recording 35 points and 11 assists on above-average shooting splits (55.6% shooting from the field and 44.4% shooting from three), Flagg was impressive in his own right, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists in the Mavericks’ 129-119 loss (he’s the youngest player in NBA history to dish out 11 dimes).
After the exciting duel, Doncic sent Flagg a six-word message that he’ll likely appreciate.
“I think he’s a good player,” Doncic said while speaking to reporters.
“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.”
Although Doncic wasn’t the No. 1 overall pick in his respective draft, he can still relate to Flagg as a top-5 selection (No.3- 2018).
The former Mavericks superstar was also expected to be a standout contributor from Day 1, which is far from simple, given the various factors that can prevent a high draft pick from starting his career on a high note (coaching, supporting cast, front office, etc.).
Fortunately, Doncic found a way to make it happen, averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while showcasing his sneaky end-to-end speed and wizard-like playmaking nightly. Fast forward to 2025, and Doncic is an even better player than he was in 2018, which has been music to the Lakers’ ears.
The 6-foot-6 Lakers guard is on fire to start the year, contributing 35.1 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.5 rebounds as the Lakers’ dynamic No. 1 scoring option.
Hopefully, for Flagg’s sake, the Duke product uses Doncic as an example of a player who blocked out outside noise, disregarded the uncontrollable factors, and quickly ascended to superstardom.
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