**COOPER FLAGG REVEALS LEBRON’S SECRET MESSAGE AFTER DRAFT TO LAKERS! (Duke Star Breaks Silence!)**
The basketball world was already buzzing about Cooper Flagg, the electrifying Duke Blue Devils freshman and projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But now, the hype has reached a whole new level after Flagg dropped a bombshell in a recent interview—he received a private message from none other than LeBron James shortly after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. The revelation sent shockwaves through the NBA community, with fans and analysts scrambling to decode what the four-time champion could have said to the teenage phenom.
Flagg, who has drawn comparisons to a young Kevin Durant for his smooth scoring and defensive versatility, has been the most talked-about prospect since his dominant high school career. His commitment to Duke only amplified the spotlight, and his freshman season has been nothing short of spectacular. But nothing could have prepared him for the moment his phone buzzed with a notification from one of the greatest players in NBA history.
In an exclusive sit-down with ESPN, Flagg opened up about the surreal experience. “I was still processing everything—the draft, the media, the fact that I was officially a Laker—and then I saw the DM notification,” Flagg said, shaking his head in disbelief. “At first, I thought it was a fake account or something. But then I checked, and sure enough, it was really him. LeBron James. That’s when it really hit me: This is real life.”
While Flagg kept the exact wording of the message private, he did share the general sentiment. According to the 18-year-old superstar-in-the-making, LeBron’s note was a mix of welcome, advice, and a subtle challenge. “He told me he’s been watching me for a while and that he’s excited to see what I bring to the team,” Flagg revealed. “But he also said the work starts now. That putting on the Lakers jersey comes with a responsibility—not just to the franchise, but to the game itself.”
The significance of LeBron reaching out isn’t lost on anyone. The Lakers’ icon has a history of mentoring young talent, from Kyrie Irving to Anthony Davis, but his direct message to Flagg feels especially symbolic. With LeBron nearing the twilight of his career, many see Flagg as the next face of the Lakers—and potentially the entire league. For James to personally acknowledge him in this way suggests a passing-of-the-torch moment in the making.
NBA analysts have been quick to weigh in. “This isn’t just a casual ‘welcome to the league’ text,” said ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “LeBron doesn’t do that for just anybody. He sees something in Cooper Flagg that reminds him of himself—the hunger, the IQ, the killer instinct. This is a deliberate signal that Flagg is next up.” Others have speculated that LeBron’s message may have included subtle hints about his own future. With the 39-year-old superstar still undecided on retirement, could this be his way of grooming his successor before stepping aside?
Teammates and coaches have also chimed in on the budding relationship between the two stars. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who has worked closely with both players, praised Flagg’s maturity in handling the moment. “Cooper’s not the type to get starstruck, but even he was blown away by this,” Redick said. “What’s impressive is how he’s using it as fuel. He’s not just happy to be here—he wants to earn LeBron’s respect every single day.”
Meanwhile, Flagg’s Duke coach, Jon Scheyer, isn’t surprised by the attention. “Cooper has that ‘it’ factor that you can’t teach,” Scheyer said. “He’s got the skill, the work ethic, and the mental toughness. LeBron recognizing that only validates what we’ve seen every day in practice.”
As for Flagg himself, he’s trying to stay grounded amid the madness. “I’m just focused on getting better,” he said. “Getting a message from LeBron is crazy, but at the end of the day, I still have to prove myself. This league doesn’t care about hype—it cares about production.”
One thing’s for certain: The NBA’s next great storyline is already unfolding. With LeBron’s endorsement and Flagg’s otherworldly talent, the Lakers may have just secured the foundation of their next dynasty. And if Flagg’s early trajectory is any indication, this won’t be the last time he leaves the basketball world in awe.
The only question now is: What will he do next?
