The Dallas Mavericks had just a 1.8% chance to secure the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Against all odds, they moved up from the 11th spot to claim No. 1. This unexpected rise gives the Mavericks a chance to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg, who many see as a future franchise cornerstone. This comes after the Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Flagg was college basketball’s biggest star last season. He earned the National College Player of the Year award and was a consensus All-American. He also helped lead the Duke Blue Devils to the Final Four. Despite Flagg’s potential, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison remains under criticism for the Doncic trade. Some, including Lakers legend Mychal Thompson, have made light of the situation.
Thompson, who is the Lakers’ radio color commentator, joked on social media that the Mavericks might eventually trade Flagg to the Lakers. He imagined a reunion between Flagg and Doncic on the Lakers’ roster.
Critics expect more jokes aimed at Harrison and the Mavericks, especially if the Lakers and Doncic continue to find success. Many people still find it hard to understand how the Mavericks traded Doncic at the peak of his career. If that trade could happen, then anything is possible — even trading a promising prospect like Flagg.
The Mavericks’ fanbase remains deeply affected by the Doncic trade, which clearly benefited the Lakers. Flagg’s versatility and skill set would pair well with Doncic. He could also fit in well wearing the Lakers’ purple and gold. In that sense, Thompson’s joke might have some truth, since the Lakers have a history of acquiring star players.
Thompson is known for sharing his opinions openly. He recently compared current Lakers coach JJ Redick to the legendary Pat Riley. Thompson said Redick shares Riley’s confidence in his basketball knowledge and his demanding coaching style. Like Riley, Redick holds his players accountable.
Thompson expressed hope that Redick will achieve success like Riley’s, who led the Lakers to four NBA championships as a head coach in the 1980s.
