WATCH: Luka Dončić Goes Viral for ‘TOYING’ With Cooper Flagg During Lakers-Mavericks Clash
The first Los Angeles Lakers–Dallas Mavericks matchup of the season already promised fireworks, but the basketball world got an even bigger treat: the first-ever showdown between Luka Dončić and Dallas rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
Luka Dončić Cooks Cooper Flagg With a Viral Step-Back
Dončić, who carried the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals before the blockbuster trade to Los Angeles, entered the night leading the league at 35.2 points per game.
And early in the action, he delivered a moment that sent social media spiraling: a ruthless, veteran-style cooking of the 18-year-old phenom.
Midway through the second quarter, with the Mavericks clinging to a 52–51 lead, Dončić. What followed was pure Dončić brilliance; the blend of patience and basketball genius that has made him one of the most unstoppable scorers on the planet.
Flagg stepped up to contest him, but Dončić made the rookie feel every bit of the moment. He probed first with a hard drive, forcing Flagg to retreat. Then came the fakes, subtle and perfectly timed, testing the 18-year-old’s footwork and discipline.
Luka TOYING with Cooper Flagg 😭 pic.twitter.com/hbbbpeEQZu
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) November 29, 2025
Finally, Dončić created the sliver of space he wanted, and then came the step-back with a clean release and the bucket. Crypto.com Arena erupted as the shot splashed through the net, pushing the Lakers ahead 53–52.
Halftime Momentum Swings to Mavericks Despite Dončić Showmanship
Despite Dončić’s highlight, the Mavericks controlled most of the second quarter, flipping the pace and turning the game in their favor. Dallas outscored the Lakers 40–32 in the second frame, using their superior size, length, and athleticism to disrupt Los Angeles on both ends.
By halftime, the Mavericks led 62–60, flashing the kind of balance they’ve been searching for since revamping their roster. Their 12–2 edge in fast-break points underscored how much they dominated the open floor.
The Lakers centre Deandre Ayton contributed 11 points, while Austin Reaves poured in 19 first-half points with aggressive drives and confident shooting.
For the Lakers, Dončić already had 18 points, showcasing the calm takeover gear he’s been sitting in all season. The Lakers, however, struggled to match the Mavericks’ tempo, often getting jammed in transition and losing battles on the glass.
Still, Doncic’s viral moment overshadowed the halftime score in the broader conversation. It was a perfect contrast between a seasoned superstar at the peak of his craft and a talented teenager experiencing his first genuine welcome to the NBA moment on primetime.
Meanwhile, Lakers’ superstar LeBron James was extra quiet throughout the first half. He only managed to score two points within the time frame. If he continues like that, it will put his long double-digit points per game streak in jeopardy.
