Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg neared a triple-double on Friday in his first game against the Los Angeles Lakers, and the No. 1 pick earned a bit of praise from Luka Dončić in the process.

Flagg produced 13 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals in the 129-119 loss in the NBA Cup at the Crypto.com Arena. He went 5-of-11 from the field, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes as the Mavericks dropped to 5-15.

Advertisement

The 6-foot-8 forward became the youngest player in history to dish out at least 10 assists in a game (18 years, 342 days). He is one of two rookies with at least three double-doubles this season, joining Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward.

“I think he is a good player,” said Dončić, who finished with 35 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. “Obviously, there is a lot of pressure that comes with the first pick, so (he) has a lot on his shoulders. I think he will be a great player.”

Flagg is averaging 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals on 45.1% shooting from the field in 19 games. He ranks second in rookie scoring and is one of two first-year players with at least five 20-point games (Kon Knueppel, 9).

Advertisement

The team experimented with Flagg at point guard to begin the season, but the group has since moved him back to his natural position in the frontcourt. However, Flagg showcased his playmaking ability on Friday with his drive and kicks, and by acting as a facilitator.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd believes the return of Anthony Davis to the lineup should help Flagg and the rest of the team. The group values his versatility on offense and is eager to see his continued development throughout the season.

“I thought he had some great passes, a great high-low to PJ (Washington),” Kidd said. “He understands how to play the game the right way, and so, for that, when you have more talent on the floor, it just helps. With A.D. back, that helps him.”

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Mavericks news: Cooper Flagg earns praise from Lakers’ Luka Dončić