Cooper Flagg Stays Calm Ahead of First-Ever Matchup vs. Luka Dončić and the Lakers

Cooper Flagg will face Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers for the very first time on Friday, but the No. 1 pick isn’t letting the spotlight shake his focus. As the Dallas Mavericks limp into the matchup with a 5–14 record, Flagg is keeping his mindset simple: one day at a time, one game at a time.

The game carries added drama — not just because of Flagg’s rookie debut against Dončić, but because it comes only weeks after Nico Harrison, the former Mavericks GM who helped orchestrate the blockbuster trade sending Dončić to L.A., was fired. The storyline is irresistible, but Flagg is determined not to let it derail his process.

🧊 Flagg: “To Me, It’s Just Another Game”

Speaking to The Dallas Morning News, Flagg downplayed the moment:

“To me, it’s another game. I know there’s going to be a lot of things going into that game and through a lot of these guys’ mindsets. For me, it’s just another game. I’m trying to survive day-by-day, take everything one day at a time. Right now, we’re just trying to find ways to win.”

It’s a mature approach for a 19-year-old still adjusting to the NBA grind — and his numbers reflect both promise and learning curves.

📉 Tough Start, Bright Flashes

Flagg has appeared in 18 of Dallas’ 19 games, averaging:

• 15.9 points
• 6.4 rebounds
• 3.1 assists
• 1.3 steals
• 45.1% FG
• 26.1% from three

The athleticism, feel, and defensive instincts are all there. But the shooting — especially from deep — is still catching up to NBA pace and physicality.

What hasn’t helped:

Dallas’ laundry list of injuries.

🚑 Dallas Still Missing Major Pieces

The Mavericks’ struggles go far beyond rookie growing pains. They’re without:

• Kyrie Irving — recovering from knee surgery
• Anthony Davis — calf injury after averaging 21 points and 10 boards
• Dereck Lively II — ongoing foot issues

With the roster depleted, Flagg has been asked to shoulder more responsibility earlier than expected.

But there may be reinforcements on the horizon.

🏥 “AD” Could Return — And He Wants the Lakers

Anthony Davis practiced fully for the first time in a month and is officially questionable for Friday’s matchup. And he isn’t hiding his preference.

“You know what game I want to play,” Davis said with a grin.

“Obviously, I’d like to play against the Lakers… but the main thing is just being on the floor.”

He’ll meet with the medical staff and coaching staff before a decision is made.

If Davis suits up in Los Angeles, the energy around Flagg’s first Lakers matchup intensifies even more.

🎯 Flagg’s Mission: Block Out Everything and Compete

Whether or not Davis plays, Flagg’s task remains unchanged:

Stay grounded.

Stick to the game plan.

Help his team find ways to win.

His steady mindset is crucial for a Mavericks squad fighting through early-season adversity — and with Dončić and the red-hot Lakers on the schedule, Dallas will need every ounce of composure it can find.