Cooper Flagg Explains Controversial LeBron James Related Decision Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 1:46 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks own the number one overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

The Mavericks are expected to choose 18-year-old Duke Blue Devils prodigy Cooper Flagg, a player many see as the perfect successor to Luka Doncic with coach Jason Kidd's team in Big D.

On Tuesday, video surfaced of Flagg explaining his reasoning for a controversial high school decision that could make him the first 18-year-old number one overall draft pick since LeBron James was taken first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.

"A quote my mom likes to say a lot, if you're the best player in the gym it's time to find a new gym," Flagg said about his decision to reclassify during high school.

He said he knew his team was going to be good but also knew the competition would fall off.

Flagg made the decision to find a new challenge and the rest is history.

"For me that decision wasn't too hard," Flagg added.

Cooper Flagg, 18, on why he reclassified to graduate high school in three years and position himself as the youngest No. 1 NBA Draft pick since LeBron James: “A quote my mom likes to say a lot: ‘If you’re the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym.’” pic.twitter.com/k2D3XsKCv2
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 24, 2025

Flagg led Duke to the 2025 Final Four and led his college team in five categories: scoring, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

His LeBron James-esque stat line gives him a chance to become a do-it-all player for the Mavericks in year one, with the potential to team with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and others to lead the Mavericks back to the playoffs.

"That's a cold line," one fan said of Flagg's explanation of his decision to reclassify during high school to find better competition.

"I'm a fan."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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