Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James showered praise on Cooper Flagg after the youngster was picked as the number one draft in the NBA. Flagg led the Duke in points, rebounds, assists and steals and he was a big favorite for the number one pick. The 18-year-old thus played an instrumental role in taking the Blue Devils to the Final Four in last season.

Flagg became the second-youngest No. 1 pick of all time, behind only LeBron James. The Cavaliers took James first in 2003.

James said on the Mind the Game podcast, “I personally think that he wants to be great. He had a hell of a year at Duke. A guy that can do so many different things out on the floor. Can play with the ball, can play without the ball. His jump shot is going to continue to get better. Super athletic, quick second jump.”

The veteran said there is a difference between Flagg’s situation and his own as the youngster would play under the tutelage of major players.

“He has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that’s established with Hall of Fame guys — Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving — right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd. You know, these guys are like, they can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be.”

The Mavericks have players like Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and James said Flagg will benefit hugely while playing with experienced players.

“I think that will be an incredible thing to have that type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces,” James said. “So, I think he’s going to be amazing.”