“ESPN Analyst Compares Cooper Flagg to LeBron James After Summer League Debut”
Cooper Flagg hasn’t even played a single official NBA game, but the buzz surrounding the No. 1 overall pick is already deafening and after just two Summer League games in Las Vegas, the hype has taken another leap. ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi made waves over the weekend by comparing the 17-year-old Dallas Mavericks phenom to none other than LeBron James.
Yes, that LeBron James.
“Cooper Flagg’s superpower is his versatility; he reminds me of LeBron James,” Biancardi tweeted following Flagg’s performances. In a separate post, he doubled down: “He has more than just a bag; he has a suitcase.”
It’s high praise, to say the least. And in a league that rarely hands out such comparisons lightly especially to a teenager it’s also a sign of just how exceptional Flagg’s upside appears to be.
Flagg, who entered the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most anticipated prospects in years, only played two games before the Mavericks reportedly shut him down for the rest of the Summer League slate. But those two games were more than enough to send shockwaves through the NBA scouting world.
In his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg admitted he had “one of the worst games of (his) life.” He shot just 5-of-21 from the field, missed all five of his three-point attempts, and didn’t attempt a single free throw. And yet even in a so-called poor performance he still managed to tally 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. The Mavericks squeaked out an 87-85 win, and Flagg’s fingerprints were all over it.
Then came redemption. In his second outing against the San Antonio Spurs, Flagg exploded for 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-9 from deep and 8-of-13 from the free-throw line. He added four rebounds, a block, and a level of energy that completely shifted the game’s intensity. Though Dallas fell 76-69, Flagg’s performance erased any doubts about his ability to bounce back and show superstar qualities.
It was enough for Biancardi one of ESPN’s most respected basketball minds to pull the LeBron trigger.
But what makes the comparison to James so intriguing isn’t just the numbers. It’s the way Flagg plays. Standing around 6-foot-9 with a wingspan to match, Flagg’s ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor is almost generational. He can initiate offense, make reads like a point guard, finish above the rim, hit step-backs, and defend multiple positions. He hustles on every play, communicates constantly, and brings infectious energy to his teammates.
“He delivers versatility on both ends with emphatic finishes, drives, and layups,” Biancardi explained. “He consistently makes his pull-up mid-range shots, and the ball comes off his hand with rhythm and quickness as his three-point shooting looks solid. He is a big-time ball mover. He contributes with rebounding and ball handling throughout the game.”
In that sense, Flagg mirrors the archetype that James made famous a player without a defined position, who can dominate from anywhere on the floor. Add in his maturity, work ethic, and team-first mentality, and you begin to understand why comparisons to The King, however ambitious, aren’t totally outrageous.
“Being surrounded by the Mavericks roster during the regular season will enhance his assist game,” Biancardi added. “Defensively, he remains locked in and consistently spreads positive energy among his teammates. Still has lots of work ahead and he knows it. That’s why he is special. Humility.”
That humility has been a cornerstone of Flagg’s story. Even as the spotlight intensifies, he remains grounded acknowledging his flaws, embracing the grind, and constantly looking to improve. After his shaky first game, Flagg didn’t shy away from accountability. He called it what it was and responded with poise, maturity, and a 31-point gem.
In two games, Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block per game. His shooting splits 35.7% from the field and 21.4% from three leave plenty of room for growth, but also show the aggressiveness and confidence that defines his playstyle.
Comparisons to LeBron aren’t just about skills they’re about impact. James, entering the league in 2003 as an 18-year-old, immediately transformed the Cleveland Cavaliers into must-watch television. Flagg, the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in NBA history behind only LeBron, will have a similar opportunity with Dallas.
And the Mavericks are giving him the runway. With Luka Dončić now gone, the franchise is rebuilding, and Flagg is at the center of that vision. He won’t be tasked with carrying the full burden just yet, but make no mistake this is his team for the future.
What lies ahead is uncertain. Rookie years in the NBA are often filled with ups and downs, especially for teenagers facing the best athletes in the world. But Flagg’s poise, motor, and ever-evolving game suggest that he’s built for the long haul.
Whether or not he ever reaches LeBron James territory remains to be seen. That’s a bar few have ever come close to clearing. But if these Summer League glimpses are any indication, Cooper Flagg isn’t just a name to watch he might already be the future face of the league.
And that, in itself, makes the comparison feel a little less wild.
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