LeBron James Crowns Cooper Flagg: “He’s Special”

One weekend can change everything. And the one just delivered by Cooper Flagg has completely reshaped the race for the Rookie of the Year award.

The Dallas Mavericks talent put together a performance that goes beyond dominant: 96 points across two games, numbers that have also flipped the betting odds, with Flagg now the favorite ahead of Kon Knueppel.

Historic numbers: Flagg delivers a record-breaking weekend

After dropping 51 points against the Orlando Magic, Flagg followed it up with 45 against the Los Angeles Lakers, nearly recording a triple-double with 9 assists and 8 rebounds.

An impact he described in no uncertain terms:

I think it’s a statement. I’m confident in myself and I know what I can do

Cooper Flagg

It’s not just a feeling. The numbers tell a much bigger story:

• First rookie since Allen Iverson to post 45+ points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists over a two-game span
• First rookie with back-to-back 45+ point games since Walt Bellamy (1962)
• Alongside Wilt Chamberlain, the only other rookie with similar streaks

Numbers that are already shifting the narrative: no longer just talent, but historic production.

He’s doing what he’s done all season. He plays multiple roles, embraces adversity, never complains, and keeps producing

Jason Kidd

ROY odds: leapfrogging Knueppel

Just a few days ago, the race seemed to be leaning toward Knueppel. Now the picture has completely changed:

• Flagg: -250 (favorite)
• Knueppel: +180

A dramatic swing built in just 48 hours.

That said, the Charlotte Hornets shooter is still having an outstanding season. With 265 three-pointers made, he leads the league and is averaging 18.7 points per game, keeping Charlotte above .500 (43-36).

Elite comparisons: from Doncic to LeBron James

Among teenagers, Flagg’s numbers have very few precedents. Among them:

• Luka Doncic (ROY 2019)
• LeBron James (ROY 2004)

And it was LeBron James, after facing Flagg on the court, who had high praise:

He’s special, you could see it since his AAU days. He keeps improving and loves the game

LeBron James

LeBron was also asked whether he sees similarities between his NBA arrival and that of Cooper Flagg, both becoming the face of a franchise as teenagers:

I like what he’s doing. I like what he’s bringing to this franchise. It looks like he loves the game. He’s working hard. Jason Kidd got some criticism early on because he sometimes played him at point guard. I thought that was unfair. I think it’s a great thing to put the ball in someone’s hands, so they can go through tough moments: when you face them, you grow faster than other players.

LeBron James

An endorsement that carries weight, especially considering the source.

That’s what Paul Silas did for me, rest in peace. In my rookie year, I basically started as a point guard. It allowed me to make mistakes and read complex defenses… On the court, I see similarities. Off the court, it’s a bit different

LeBron James

It’s not a final verdict yet, but the message is clear: Cooper Flagg isn’t just part of the Rookie of the Year race – he’s redefining it.