Luka Doncic’s first game against his former team brought emotion, noise, and heavy attention. The Lakers beat the Mavericks, and the focus quickly shifted to Doncic’s reaction to Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg, who faced him for the first time on an NBA floor.

After the game, a clip posted by Mavericks reporter Mike Curtis showed Doncic praising Flagg’s calm play.

He said, “I think he’s a good player. Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the 1st pick so he has a lot on his shoulder, but I think he will become a great player.” The moment spread fast on X.

Cooper Flagg finished the game with 13 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. Luka Doncic said the passing stood out most. Flagg created in transition, kept Dallas steady early, and showed flashes of the potential scouts pr

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