Rookie Flagg Outduels LeBron as Mavericks Top Lakers

19-year-old Cooper Flagg scores 45 points in Dallas win over hobbled Los Angeles squad

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite a heroic 30-point, 15-assist performance from 41-year-old LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Dallas Mavericks 115-108 on the road. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg erupted for 45 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to record back-to-back 40-point games.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Lakers into a tie for third place in the Western Conference, with a tough four-game stretch coming up against playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the young Mavericks continue to impress, led by the emergence of Flagg as a potential future superstar.

The details

Playing without injured stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Lakers struggled early as Flagg scored 19 first-quarter points to stake Dallas to a big lead. LeBron did his best to will Los Angeles back into the game, scoring 16 in the second quarter, but the Lakers could never fully erase the deficit. Mavericks role players like Luke Kennard also stepped up, recording a triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

  • Flagg scored 51 points two nights earlier, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to reach that milestone.
  • LeBron James is in his 23rd NBA season at age 41.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie sensation who has emerged as a potential future superstar, setting records with his scoring outbursts.

LeBron James

The 41-year-old Lakers superstar who put up a heroic effort with 30 points, 15 assists and 9 rebounds, but couldn't will his short-handed team to victory.

Luke Kennard

The Lakers' starting point guard in the absence of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, Kennard recorded his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cooper's been in a zone. But also just been playing consistent basketball all year.”

— LeBron James

“I know what I'm capable of still. And I know it's going to be challenging for our ball club. But if I'm in the lineup, I got to try to make plays happen for us in multiple ways.”

— LeBron James

“Defensively, we had some breakdowns. Especially in the first half. We gave too many transition points. Allowed a lot of key guys to get to their spots. We can't do that, especially short-handed.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder, kicking off a tough four-game stretch against playoff contenders.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Lakers' vulnerability without their full roster, as well as the emergence of Cooper Flagg as a potential future superstar. LeBron's heroics weren't enough, underscoring the need for the Lakers to shore up their defense if they want to make a deep playoff run.