Mavericks Phenom Cooper Flagg Tops LeBron James In Stunning Stat

The young Mavericks' star is having a massive rookie season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the players and action on the court.A cubist interpretation of the intense matchup between rising star Cooper Flagg and veteran LeBron James, capturing the dynamic energy of their on-court battle.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has surpassed LeBron James for the most 40-point games by a teenager in NBA history. Flagg, who is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, has put up 45 points in consecutive games, including a career-high 51 points against the Orlando Magic. Flagg's impressive performances have cemented his status as one of the league's rising stars.

Why it matters

Flagg's record-breaking performances against veteran superstars like LeBron James showcase his immense talent and potential. As a rookie, Flagg is already making a significant impact on the league and is poised to become one of the NBA's next great players.

The details

Flagg has put up 45 points in consecutive games, including a career-high 51 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic. Flagg's 51-point outing made him the youngest player in NBA history to score 50+ points in a game. In a matchup against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg posted 45 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block as the Mavericks defeated the Lakers 134-128. Flagg's 40-point game against the Lakers was his fourth of the season, surpassing LeBron James for the most 40-point games by a teenager.

  • Flagg posted 45 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5, 2026.
  • Flagg scored a career-high 51 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who is a frontrunner for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

LeBron James

A veteran NBA superstar and Los Angeles Lakers player.

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What’s next

Flagg and the Mavericks will continue their season as they look to make a push for the playoffs. Flagg's impressive rookie campaign has put him in the running for the Rookie of the Year award, which will be announced at the end of the season.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's record-breaking performances against veteran superstars like LeBron James have cemented his status as one of the NBA's next great players. As a rookie, Flagg is already making a significant impact on the league and is poised to become a superstar in the years to come.