When LeBron James entered the league in 2003, he instantly took on the role of an entire team.

Now, more than two decades later, Cooper Flagg is embarking on a similar journey.

LeBron (2003 Draft)

Age: 18 years, 178 days

Flagg (2025)

Age: 18 years, 186 days

On draft night Flagg was just nine days older than LeBron, making him the second-youngest first-round pick in NBA history.

The age, the spotlight and the anticipation are all so familiar.

But here's the difference:

Instead of a rebuilding team, Flagg joined a championship team with Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving - a team that had reached the Finals just two years earlier and was still climbing the ladder.

The Lone Ranger, like the Riders did with LeBron, has put the reins on a youngster who has shown overage confidence, instincts and sharpness.

The last time such high expectations were placed on a young man, he turned out to be an all-time legend.

With Cooper Flagg in place, Dallas has every reason to be ambitious.