Why Cooper Flagg is giving Kendrick Perkins ‘LeBron James-type vibe’

The Dallas Mavericks have gotten off to a 2-2 start to the 2026-27 NBA season, but one of the biggest storylines around the league thus far regarding the team is the breakout play of second-year forward Cooper Flagg . The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is coming off a Rookie of the Year season and looks on pace to potentially make his first career All-Star appearance. Cooper Flagg’s early play for the Mavericks has been good enough that former NBA player turned ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is already comparing him to LeBron James.