'I Knew He Would Be Special': LeBron James Has Major Praise For Star Rookie Cooper Flagg

Back in 2003, LeBron James entered the NBA as the most hyped prospect in the history of the league, and over the last two decades, he's spent all of that time proving that he's just as good as everybody expected. In that time, we've seen many other 'generational' prospects come into the league, and so often, they don't live up to the hype the way that 'The King' has done for 23 years.

Now, the league has Victor Wembanyama, and in 2025/26, they've also got the arrival of Cooper Flagg, who has lived up to all the expectations as the No. 1 overall pick of the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. On Sunday, the Mavericks took on James and the Los Angeles Lakers, and in an incredible performance, Flagg led Dallas to the 138-124 victory on the back of a 45 point, 8 rebound and 9 assist night. 

After the game, James was asked about Flagg and his potential at the NBA level, stating that he's seen him back to his high school days, and as a result, he knew he would be special at the highest level.

“I’ve seen that all the way back to the AAU days… and playing with his team out of Maine… So, knew he was special from then… Looks like he loves the game. He’s putting in the work, and he’s gotten better.”

Back in Maine, Flagg's potential was the stuff of legend, and while that doesn't always translate to the professional level, clearly Flagg has the physical tools, the work ethic and the talent to be a star.

For two decades, James has been the face of the NBA, but with the arrival of Flagg and others, the league is in great hands, and clearly as of right now, LeBron believes Flagg could be a star in the league, and he's showing everyone just why in his rookie campaign.