Luka Doncic Praises Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg After Lakers Win
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The Los Angeles Lakers closed out Emirates NBA Cup group play with a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, Nov. 28, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Guard Luka Doncic, facing his former club for the second time, recorded 35 points and 11 assists. The matchup carried added intrigue with several ex-Lakers now in Dallas, including forwards Anthony Davis and Max Christie, as well as head coach Jason Kidd and assistant Frank Vogel.
Austin Reaves led all scorers with 38 points, helping Los Angeles finish West Group B at 4-0. The win earned the Lakers a home date against the San Antonio Spurs in the tournament quarterfinals.
No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg contributed 13 points and 11 assists for Dallas. After the game, Doncic expressed confidence in the rookie’s future.
“I think he’s a good player,” Doncic said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the first pick. He has a lot on his shoulders. But I think he will be a great player.”
Doncic added that games against the Mavericks will “always have some special meaning” because of his long-standing ties to Dallas, although he noted Friday’s contest felt “a little bit easier” than last season’s emotionally charged return.
The Lakers and Mavericks will meet twice more during the regular season.
Source: Lakers Nation
