DALLAS — Cooper Flagg had a message for the league on Sunday afternoon: the rookie is far from done. The Dallas Mavericks phenom erupted for 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists at American Airlines Center, becoming the youngest player with back-to-back 40-point games since Allen Iverson, as the Mavericks handed a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers squad a 134-128 defeat.
Without Luka Dončić (Grade 2 hamstring) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique) who are both sidelined for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the first round of the playoffs, LeBron James delivered a heroic 30-point, 15-assist, 9-rebound performance, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Lakers’ firm hold on third place in the West.
The Lakers got off to a slow start, falling behind early and trailing 14–7 at the first timeout with 7:52 remaining. Out of the timeout, Los Angeles began to settle in offensively. Rui Hachimura sparked a quick push with back-to-back buckets. A midrange jumper followed by a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two.
Hachimura remained aggressive throughout the quarter, taking advantage of open looks and leading the Lakers with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting.
Despite the improved offensive rhythm, the Lakers struggled defensively. Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg erupted for 19 first-quarter points, consistently finding success both in the halfcourt and in transition as the Mavericks pushed the pace.
The Mavericks closed the quarter in control, taking a 41–30 lead into the second.
The second quarter began as a nightmare. Dallas extended its run to 10-0 to open the period, pushing the lead to 18 at 48-30, forcing another Lakers timeout at 10:40. What followed, though, was a stunning swing. LeBron ignited a 13-2 run, capped by a deep three-pointer at the 6:01 mark for his 19th point. This sequence tied the game at 61 with under nine minutes left in the half.
LA ultimately outscored Dallas 25-9 over the final 8:38 of the second quarter, with LeBron scoring or assisting on 18 of those points. Despite the incredible rally, the Mavericks retained a 67-61 halftime advantage, aided by Flagg’s 26-point first half and Dallas’s continued fast-break advantage.
The Lakers briefly threatened in the third, cutting the deficit to within two, but Dallas responded with another run to push the lead back to 84–76.
LeBron James appeared to tweak his groin after contact on a drive, briefly grabbing the area before remaining in the game to shoot free throws. He was subbed out shortly after but later returned, showing no immediate signs of limitation.
Despite continuing to fight back, the Lakers couldn’t fully close the gap. Luke Kennard delivered a historic performance, recording the first triple-double of his career, while Bronny James added a three-pointer to keep Los Angeles within striking distance.
Still, every push was met with an answer from Dallas, as the Mavericks took a 107–97 lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was a familiar story of the Lakers cutting into the lead and Dallas refusing. A Lakers timeout at 6:56 with the score 118-109 couldn’t reverse the momentum. Every time LA closed within single digits, the Mavericks had an answer. Flagg reached the 40-point mark and did not stop, finishing with 45 and cementing the back-to-back 40-point performance that put him in historic company alongside Allen Iverson. Jake LaRavia fouled out with 1:09 remaining, and a pair of Flagg free throws with 26.6 seconds left sealed the final margin. Lakers lose, 134-128.
LeBron James led the way for Los Angeles with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Jaxson Hayes added 23 points off the bench. Luke Kennard finished with a triple-double (15 points, 16 assists, 11 rebounds), and Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points.
Despite multiple second-half pushes, the Lakers were unable to overcome defensive struggles and Dallas’ timely responses.
With the loss, Los Angeles remains tied with Denver but holds the No. 3 seed via tiebreaker as the race for playoff positioning tightens.
Up next, the Lakers return home to face Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Notable Stats of the Game
LeBron James: 30 points, 9 rebounds, 15 assists
Jaxson Hayes: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Rui Hachimura: 21 points, 7 rebounds
Luke Kennard: 15 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists (First Career Triple-Double)
Cooper Flagg (DAL): 45 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists
Upcoming Game for the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (50-28) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16)
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Location: Crypto.com Arena • Los Angeles, CA.
Tip-Off: 7:30PM PST/10:30PM EST