Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Coach Makes Cooper Flagg Admission After 27-Point Loss to Mavs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Cooper Flagg scored 13 points in Dallas' 121-94 preseason win over the Lakers.
JJ Redick praised Flagg: “Cooper’s his own special player…such a good feel for the game.”
Flagg seen as Dallas’ future star amid post-Luka Doncic expectations.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick got his first opportunity to coach against Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg on Wednesday night. The first-overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft played 28 minutes in the preseason matchup, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting, two rebounds and three assists.

It was not exactly a mind-blowing performance from the 6-foot-9 small forward, but there’s no denying that Flagg has his moments against the Lakers. The former Duke Blue Devils star played a key role in helping lead Dallas to a convincing 121-94 blowout win against the Lakers in Wednesday’s tune-up game.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during a game.Candice Ward-Imagn Images

After averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for Duke as a freshman last season, Flagg declared for the draft, and the Mavs hit the jackpot when they won the lottery. There was no doubt that they were going to use their No. 1 overall pick on Flagg, who is now expected to carry the torch for Dallas in its post-Luka Doncic era.

Redick shared his honest thoughts on Flagg following Wednesday’s blowout. When asked if the 18-year-old’s game reminded him of anybody else in the NBA, the Lakers coach took the opportunity to make his opinion of the Mavs stud crystal clear.

"No, it doesn't, to be honest with you," Redick said. "He doesn't really remind me of everybody. I know the Grant Hill comparison is getting thrown out a lot right now, but Cooper's his own special player.

JJ on what was needed in the 4th:

"A level of toughness, but that wasn't there tonight." pic.twitter.com/MxyGZrmpnP
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 16, 2025

“I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18-year-olds. He's a worker and I expect him to develop into a very good shooter. ... He just has such a good feel for the game."

Wednesday’s victory against the Lakers was the Mavs’ preseason finale, which means the next time Flagg will be back on the court will be on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when the Mavs open their season against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

As for Redick and the Lakers, Wednesday’s contest was an opportunity to see firsthand what Flagg brings to the table for Dallas. This should help the coaching staff prepare a better game plan against the former Blue Devil when they face off in the regular season.

The Lakers and the Mavs’ first meeting this year will be on Nov. 29 at Crypto.com Arena.

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

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