A familiar opponent brought out a familiar performance — and a thoughtful moment afterward.
The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a 129–119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, but the final score wasn’t the only storyline. The game marked Luka Doncic’s first meeting with Dallas’ new cornerstone, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, and the exchange between them after the buzzer delivered one of the night’s most memorable takeaways.
The Lakers star has faced every type of defensive scheme and pressure over the years. Even so, he recognized the significance of this first matchup — for Dallas and for a rookie beginning to find his footing.
And he made sure to share that message with Flagg directly.
Lakers Star Praises Cooper Flagg After Their First Matchup
GettyCooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks is having an up and down rookie campaign.
For the first time since the blockbuster trade sent him to Los Angeles last February, Doncic shared the floor with the rookie expected to inherit his old role in Dallas. Flagg didn’t shy away from it either, posting 13 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds in a composed, versatile showing.
After the game, Doncic was asked about Flagg’s performance and potential. His response was pure respect.
“I think he’s a good player,” Doncic told reporters, per Mike A. Curtis. “There’s a lot of pressure that comes with the first pick… but I think he will become a great player.”
Doncic went deeper when asked what stands out about Flagg’s playmaking:
“Probably getting in the paint, looking for his teammates… he gets his teammates involved great.”
It was the type of respect rookies rarely get — particularly from a veteran star in the middle of a matchup against his former team.
Flagg is averaging 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists through his first 20 NBA games, and his latest performance simply added to the growing optimism around his development.
Lakers Get Another Dominant Showing From Doncic
Even amid the emotional subplots, Doncic reminded Dallas exactly what it lost.
He delivered 35 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds, controlling the game in the exact ways that made him the Mavericks’ franchise anchor for years. The Lakers improved to 14–4, while Dallas fell to 5–15 and continued searching for answers around its new young core.
This performance marks the third straight strong outing Doncic has had against his former team:
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Triple-double in their first meeting
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35 points in the rematch
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35 points again on Friday
The connection between Doncic and the Lakers continues to grow. The connection between Doncic and Dallas clearly still exists too — even if only emotionally.
Games Against Dallas Still Matter to Dončić
Facing the Mavericks isn’t just another date on the schedule for Doncic. After the game, he confirmed the obvious, but with a lighter tone than earlier meetings:
“It’s a little bit easier now… Games against Dallas always have some special meaning to me. I still have a lot of friends there. It’ll always be special.”
This wasn’t resentment, revenge or anything dramatic. It was honesty — a superstar recognizing the weight of his past without letting it overshadow the present.
And the present is looking pretty good for Los Angeles.
Final Word for the Lakers
The Lakers needed composure, shot-making and steady decision-making to close out their final group-stage game of the NBA Emirates Cup. Doncic provided all three, while Flagg delivered another solid performance in his early NBA run.
For all the attention surrounding last year’s blockbuster trade, Friday offered a different angle — respect. Doncic didn’t just compete against his former team. He also took a moment to acknowledge Flagg’s potential.
It won’t change standings or box scores, but it’s the type of exchange that can resonate with both players as their seasons move forward.
Doncic is leading a contender. Flagg is learning how to become one. And their paths crossed in exactly the way the NBA loves — talent recognizing talent.
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