Cooper Flagg scores 45 as Mavs beat LeBron's Lakers

Dallas ends 14-game home skid with victory over injury-depleted LA squad.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:45am

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Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg poured in 45 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 134-128 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without several key players due to injury. LeBron James still managed 30 points and 15 assists in the losing effort.

Why it matters

The Mavericks had been mired in a lengthy home losing streak, so this victory could provide a much-needed boost to their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Lakers' injury woes continue to hamper their ability to compete with the West's elite teams.

The details

Flagg, the Mavs' prized first-round draft pick, had the best game of his young NBA career, shooting 16-of-24 from the field and 7-of-12 from three-point range. His scoring outburst helped Dallas end its 14-game home losing skid, the franchise's longest in over three decades. James did his best to keep the Lakers competitive, but the team was missing several starters including Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

  • The game took place on April 6, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie sensation for the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg scored a career-high 45 points in the win.

LeBron James

The veteran Lakers superstar had 30 points and 15 assists in the losing effort.

Dallas Mavericks

The home team, who ended their 14-game home losing streak, the franchise's longest in over 30 years.

Los Angeles Lakers

The visiting team, who were depleted by injuries to several key players including Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper was incredible tonight. He really carried us when we needed it most.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach

“We're just trying to hold it together with duct tape and glue at this point. Injuries have really decimated our roster.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Lakers will hope to get healthier before the postseason.

The takeaway

Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg's career-high 45 points led the Mavericks to a much-needed win over the injury-depleted Lakers, providing a potential turning point in Dallas' season and exposing the Lakers' ongoing injury woes.