Cooper Flagg scored 45 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 134-128 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his second consecutive game surpassing 40 points. Flagg’s performance established him as the first rookie since Allen Iverson to achieve back-to-back 40-point games and the highest combined score for a rookie since Wilt Chamberlain. Despite LeBron James’ impressive 30 points and 15 assists, the Lakers’ playoff position is jeopardized by injuries to key players. The playoffs start on April 18, with uncertainty surrounding the Lakers’ roster strength.
