{"id":185315,"date":"2025-06-08T16:48:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T16:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/08\/cooper-flagg-causes-a-rift-in-the-nba-two-lakers-legends-take-sides-in-the-rookie-debate\/"},"modified":"2025-06-08T16:48:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T16:48:18","slug":"cooper-flagg-causes-a-rift-in-the-nba-two-lakers-legends-take-sides-in-the-rookie-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/08\/cooper-flagg-causes-a-rift-in-the-nba-two-lakers-legends-take-sides-in-the-rookie-debate\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooper Flagg causes a rift in the NBA: Two Lakers legends take sides in the rookie debate"},"content":{"rendered":"

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H<\/span>e hasn’t even played a professional game yet, but Cooper Flagg<\/strong><\/a> is already at the center of controversy. With just two weeks until the 2025 NBA Draft<\/strong>-where the Duke Blue Devils<\/strong> star is widely expected to be the top pick-two former NBA<\/strong> greats are locked in a debate over his potential. <\/p>\n

Flagg needed just one season in the NCAA<\/strong> to emerge as the draft’s premier prospect. His height, ball-handling skills, and undeniable charisma have made him the face of college basketball<\/strong>. But his meteoric rise has also brought skeptics. <\/p>\n

Among his critics is former Nuggets and Lakers<\/strong> star Carmelo Anthony<\/strong><\/a>, who didn’t hold back: “To me, he [Flagg] doesn’t do anything great.”<\/em> Dwight Howard’s<\/strong> advice to Flagg on the matter: ignore it.<\/p>\n

Dwight Howard’s message to Flagg<\/h2>\n

If anyone understands Flagg’s situation, it’s Howard<\/a>-the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. Reflecting on his own experience, the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers<\/strong> champion had some advice for the young phenom: “Just go hoop, enjoy the games.”<\/em><\/p>\n

In an interview with TMZ<\/em>, Howard encouraged Flagg to stay focused<\/strong>: “Don’t let politics take away the passion, and have fun.”<\/em> However, Howard didn’t completely dismiss Anthony’s critique<\/strong>, adding, “Obviously, he hasn’t made it to the NBA yet.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Still, the former Orlando Magic<\/strong> star expressed confidence in Flagg’s future: “If he’s already good at a lot of things now and he’s got the chance to master them as he gets older, he’ll be fine.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Howard also reminded skeptics of Flagg’s youth<\/strong>: “He’s only 18, 19. He’s got a lot of time to grow.”<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s next for Flagg in the draft? <\/h2>\n

Barring any surprises, the Dallas Mavericks<\/strong><\/a> will select Flagg with the No. 1 pick<\/strong>. With the departure of Luka Doncic<\/strong> to the Lakers, the franchise is looking to rebuild around the highly touted prospect. <\/p>\n

Still, the challenge ahead is daunting. Dallas finished tenth in the Western Conference<\/strong>-well outside the playoff picture. Flagg’s arrival marks a new era, but turning the team around won’t be easy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n