COOPER FLAGG TO LAKERS? Basketball’s Top Prospect Declares for Draft as Lakers Emerge as Potential Suitor

The 6’9″ phenom, who has been compared to Kevin Durant for his versatility in scoring and to Kevin Garnett for his defensive intensity, is widely considered a franchise-altering talent. However, what really sent shockwaves through the NBA rumor mill was the immediate speculation that the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that is always in win-now mode, could make an aggressive play to land him.

Lakers, a team that is always in win-now mode, could make an aggressive play to land him. Although the Lakers are currently outside the top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft class, the mere prospect of Flagg wearing purple and gold has fans and analysts wondering

Flagg’s announcement was straightforward but held immense weight. He confirmed what many had long anticipated by posting a highlight tape of his stellar high school and FIBA achievements along with the caption, “Ready for the next chapter.” Before reclassifying to shorten his NBA timeline, he was the star of Duke’s top-ranked recruiting class, a McDonald’s All-American, and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year. His resume speaks for itself. His two-way potential, which combines a unique combination of perimeter shooting, playmaking, and shot-blocking skills, makes him the closest thing to a modern-day

How, then, might the Lakers, who, given their present standings, are expected to select in the late teens or twenties, get into the Flagg sweepstakes? The Lakers’ unrelenting quest for star power and the NBA Draft’s unpredictability are the answers.

Whether it was making a trade for Anthony Davis in 2019 or attempting to acquire Dejounte Murray at the 2024 deadline, Los Angeles has never been afraid to take risks. The Lakers may bundle future picks, young assets like Austin Reaves or Jalen Hood-Schifino, and even a star like D’Angelo Russell to move up if Flagg’s camp indicates a preference for a major market—a scenario some sources speculate is likely given his potential for endorsements. For a team that is preoccupied with titles and publicity, the pull of matching Flagg with LeBron James (should he choose to use his player option) and Anthony Davis would be too strong to resist.

The financial implications alone make this a fascinating storyline. Flagg’s arrival would instantly rejuvenate the Lakers’ aging core, providing a seamless transition from the LeBron era while keeping the team in contention. His marketability—already evident from his NIL deals and social media following—would explode in Los Angeles, a city that thrives on superstar narratives. Imagine the Hollywood buzz: a teenage sensation learning from LeBron before eventually inheriting the throne as the face of the league’s most glamorous franchise. The Lakers’ brand is built on such fairytales, and Flagg fits the mold perfectly.

Of course, obstacles remain. Teams holding top picks (the Pistons, Wizards, or Spurs, for example) are unlikely to part with a chance to draft Flagg unless blown away by an offer. The Spurs, in particular, could view him as the ideal frontcourt partner for Victor Wembanyama, creating a defensive nightmare for the next decade. But if any franchise has the assets and audacity to pull off a blockbuster trade, it’s the Lakers. General Manager Rob Pelinka has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to gamble big, and owner Jeanie Buss has always prioritized marquee names over patient rebuilds. If Flagg’s camp hints that he’d thrive under the bright lights of L.A., the Lakers will do everything in their power to make it happen.

A move like that would have a profound impact on the NBA. The Eastern Conference superpower that loses out on LeBron would have to live with regret for years, whereas a Lakers club with Flagg, Davis, and (maybe) LeBron would instantly return to title contention.

Flagg would have tremendous pressure to perform in Los Angeles, but he would also reap the benefits in terms of competition and revenue. The Lakers have not had a young star of this type since Magic Johnson, and the league has not had a rookie this excited since Zion Williamson. The harmony is nearly flawless.