Cooper Flagg's Rookie Stats Mirror Young LeBron James' Start

Viral graphic spotlights Cooper Flagg's rookie stats eerily like a young LeBron James, fueling the Cooper Flagg LeBron comparison debate.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A graphic shared widely on social media has reignited discussions about Cooper Flagg, the promising rookie whose early NBA performance has sparked comparisons to LeBron James. Flagg's start to his professional career, marked by impressive statistics during his teenage season, has prompted fans and analysts to debate how his trajectory aligns with one of basketball's all-time greats.

Why it matters

Although it is premature to rank Flagg alongside LeBron's enduring legacy, their rookie year numbers reveal striking similarities that have captured attention. This Cooper Flagg LeBron comparison highlights how rare and significant it is for a young player to produce at such a high level so early.

The details

Every promising young forward inevitably faces comparisons to LeBron James, who set the bar exceptionally high as a teenager in the NBA. Flagg, at 19, has averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field in roughly 34 minutes per contest. By comparison, James averaged 20.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, shooting 40% and playing nearly 40 minutes during his rookie year. The most notable commonality between the two is surpassing the 20-point threshold before turning 20 years old, a feat achieved by very few NBA players. Flagg's higher shooting efficiency despite fewer minutes suggests a more polished offensive game from the onset.

  • Cooper Flagg is currently 19 years old and in his rookie NBA season.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie forward in the NBA who has drawn comparisons to LeBron James due to his impressive early-career statistics and well-rounded game.

LeBron James

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, who set the bar exceptionally high as a teenager in the NBA and is now being compared to Cooper Flagg's rookie season.

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What’s next

As Flagg continues his rookie season, the comparisons to LeBron James' early career will likely intensify, with fans and analysts closely monitoring his progress and development.

The takeaway

The striking statistical similarities between Cooper Flagg and a young LeBron James highlight how rare it is for a teenage player to make such an immediate impact in the NBA, fueling high expectations and intense scrutiny around Flagg's potential to follow in the footsteps of one of basketball's all-time greats.